Oman – Dream Destination, Travel Bulletin Star Awards

Oman Hailed as Dream Destination

And…we won!

Hailed as “Dream Destination Star Middle East Tourist Office”, byTravel Bulletin, Oman Ministry of Tourism got their first Travel Bulletin Star Award for the Star Middle East Tourist Board 2014 (runners-up Dubai, other nominations Abu Dhabi and Jordan).

“We are extremely honored to be receiving such an important award and very grateful for the recognition. Thank you so much to all the travel agents that voted for us in this Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2014”

Alison Cryer, Director, UK & Ireland Oman Ministry of Tourism

“The Awards represent the highest accolade a travel company can hope to achieve as they are voted for exclusively by our travel agent reads”

Jeanette Ratcliffe, Publisher, Travel Bulletin

That is the great thing about this award, it is the travel agents that vote, not a panel of industry judges and therefore it is an even greater accolade and shows that the Oman Ministry of Tourism is delivering the help and assistance that they need and will continue to do so to the best of our ability. 

Oman has also been nominated for the second year running for a Selling Travel Agents Choice Award, it is already an honor to be nominated as one of six destinations worldwide and shows that we are getting across the Spa and Wellness message which includes all aspects sport and fitness. 

Oman attracts visitors with its variety of accommodation. The wealth of experiences on offer varies from the opulent to the adventurous, glorious golden sands and water sports. Observe whales, dolphins, birds… the variety of attractions and activities are endless. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Oman you are assured that all senses will be sated. The holiday of a lifetime awaits!! 

Please, vote for us: 

Destinations 

Destination for Spa & Wellness 

Representation Plus, a London based specialist PR consultancy, has been also nominated 

Please, vote for us: 

Best of the rest: PR/Representation Company

Adventure travel in Oman: On two or four wheels

Whether it is sun-kissed desert dunes at sunrise, verdant wadi oases at high noon or cycling into the sunset, Oman is a delight to explore on two or four wheels.

Desert Dunes

Best explored in a 4WD vehicle, the dunes of Wahiba Sands cover a whopping 12,400km2. They soar up to 200m high, and are tinged a variety of rainbow hues from orange to deep amber. For bolder visitors, the 650,000km2 Empty Quarter is one of the largest deserts in the world. Most guided tours through Oman’s deserts include a stop at a Bedouin campsite where guests can share a meal with locals and sample authentic desert life. Alternatively, luxurious desert camps offer high-end spots to bed down in the dunes, including:

·   Hud Hud Travels (www.hudhudtravels.com), seasonal camps set up in Wahiba Sands and in the mountains near Tanuf. Hud Hud offer the possibility to mix their magical settings with challenging expeditions or specifically tailored events, such as a dinner for 100 guests on a deserted white sand beach

· Desert Nights (www.omanhotels.com/desertnightscamp), which offers their own permanent, luxurious take on traditional Bedouin tents, each one complete with their own private beanbag-splashed terrace. Desert Nights also arranges excursions into the dunes by quad bike and 4WD.

·   And 1000 Nights Camp (www.1000nightscamp.com), set among the Cineraria trees in Wahiba Sands. Camel safaris, treks into the desert and a traditional Omani meal under the stars may be organised by 1000 Nights’ accommodating staff.

It is also worth bearing in minds that visitors are allowed to camp almost anywhere in Oman, from the desert to mountaintops to secluded beaches. However, it is best to seek local advice before you set up camp. 

Self-Drive Holidays

With next to no traffic and petrol cheaper than mineral water, Oman is a country ideal for driving. Explore the hills around Nizwa, hop aboard a ferry to the fjords of Musandam or Masirah Island, or head south to Salalah’s lush coconut groves. Oman Off-Road Explorer is a superb and detailed guidebook to the country’s roads. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Spotting Sea Mammals In Oman

Of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans, around a quarter have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Whale, dolphin and porpoise spotting are hugely popular activities. Humpback whales and Bryde’s whales are most commonly sighted, while the temperate waters of the Musandam Peninsula are considered a dolphin playground. Sperm whales have also been recently spotted off the Omani coastline. Local operators offer set programmes and chartered outings. While the Humpback Whale in the Arabian Sea is the World’s only non-migratory whale, it stays put; off the Coast of Salalah. 

Whales visit the shores of the Sultanate at irregular intervals, particularly in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species.

Dolphin shoals visit the shores of Oman in large numbers. Muscat and Musandam are famous for dolphin watching, although this pastime is also widespread in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The types of dolphins that visit Oman are: Indian Ocean Dolphins, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 4 Water Adventure in Oman

Dhow Cruises

Cruising through the northern Musandam Peninsula’s dolphin-dotted “Fjords of Arabia” (ruus al jebel) on a traditional wooden dhow boat is an idyllic and eco-friendly way to explore Oman. From Khasab, a small fishing port and Musandam’s principle town, dhows set out on day, overnight or weekend cruises to the picturesque inlet of Khawr Ash Shamm, Telegraph Island or the cliffside village of Kumzar.

For history buffs, the coastal town of Sur, in Oman’s northeast, has long been an important centre for dhow construction: It is said that dhows built here were sailing to mainland China as far back as the eighth century. Today, visitors may take in the local shipyards, which are still active, as well as Sur’s new Maritime Museum.

Canoeing

As many of the Musandam Peninsula’s fjords are sheltered, they provide ideal canoeing conditions. Visitors may paddle to isolated fishing villages and deserted bays. Various local outfits offer guided kayak tours of the coastline, stopping to swim at deserted white sand beaches en route.

Cruising

Muscat, Salalah and Khasab are on the cruise Itineraries of more than a dozen cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, MSC and Holland America. However, Oman is still off-the-beaten track for cruising, so expect far fewer crowds as well as plenty of untouched scenery.

                                              

Water Sports

Most hotels can arrange water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing, including equipment hire. For serious surfers and kite-surfers, Oman’s top spots include Asilah and Masirah Island. Game fishing is also rapidly gaining popularity with catches such as marlin and tuna. The waters off of the Khuriya Muriya Islands and Masirah Island are specially suited to this sport. To the north, Dibba on the Musandam Peninsula is particularly well known for fly-fishing.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre; A Place To Be Inspired

The Oman Ministry of Tourism and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre recently held a lunch at the Ritz London Hotel, taking part in a four-leg European city tour to promote its potential as a key business destination. The series began in London, followed by Paris last Wednesday, Geneva yesterday and Brussels today.

The Oman Convention On The Road roadshow aims to promote The Sultanate of Oman as one of the newest and most exciting international venues. It is set to become an iconic landmark for Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman. Located in its own precinct, this world-class facility is perfectly suited to host international, regional and national conventions, exhibitions and business events. Amongst its features are a tiered auditorium seating 3,200 people and more than 22, 00 square meters of exhibition space. 

The design of the Centre will ensure a flow of the meetings space to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organisers. It also incorporates expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features.

Experience a warm Omani welcome. Explore the beauty, diversity and opportunities of our wonderful country as Oman opens itself to the world.

See more: http://www.omanconvention.com

Attendees London Roadshow August 29:

James Latham, Executive Producer of International Meetings Review; Dr. Daniel Brooker, Principal International Development Manager of Cambridge English; Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions; Brigadier Abdul Rasak Alshahwarzi, Commander Royal Cavalry; Natalya Zhadanova, Conference Producer of BME Global Ltd; Sue Gollifer, Director of ISEA International Headquarters; Humaid A. AlWahshi, Sr. Consultant Rheumatologist of the Royal Hospital Ministry of Health; Joachim Gratzfeld and WEN Xiangying, Director of Regional Programmes and Executive Director of Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Paul Sweeney, General Manager Association Business of PPS Publications; Ian Croxson, Managing Director of Show Carriage Event Logistics; Nicki Atherton, Sales Director of Global Travel Investments Ltd; Nicki Atherton, Event Director of Reetex.

Adventure travel in Oman: Sailing

Sailors are well catered for in Oman: little surprise, as the country’s ancient capital Sohar was the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. West of Muscat, the Millennium Resort Mussanah (www.millenniumhotels.com) offers a private 54-berth marina managed by reputable local firm Oman Sail (www.omansail.com). Boat rentals, sailing instruction and yacht charter are all available. At the nearby Wave (www.thewavemuscat.com), Almouj Marina is home to a 300-berth port. From here It is a short sail to the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve. Oman Charter (www.omancharter.com) organises bespoke sailing holidays, island-hopping day trips and – uniquely for the region – bareboat yacht charter.

There’s plenty of serious sailing for spectators to enjoy too. The Extreme Sailing Series (www.extremesailingseries.com) – a kind of Formula 1 on the open sea – kicks off its annual yearlong competition, which takes place in eight locations around the globe, from Muscat each February. And every November, around three-dozen sailing yachts compete in the Dubai to Muscat Race (www.muscatregatta.com), navigating the Straits of Hormuz en route.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Bringing the Arabian Sea to life

Oman’s waters are brought to life by coral, crabs and colourful fish bringing the Arabian Sea to life. Whether it’s deep-sea diving or paddling pool depths, there is an underwater world waiting to be explored that can be appreciated from both above and below the water.

In sharp contrast to the arid environment that lies above, there is a multicoloured scene laid out below. The intricate structures of the coral reefs are expertly manoeuvred by Arabian angelfish, lion fish and silver fusilier fish, to name just a few of the 900 species that swim amongst the waters. 

Musandam on its own has more than 25 dive sites and in particular may attract some experienced divers who are in search of some invigorating drift diving. As commercial fishing is not allowed in this area of water, the volume of marine life is boosted substantially and it’s not unusual for divers to encounter most turtle species and a number of shark species. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve (a UNESCO world heritage site), Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island.

As the saying goes ‘there’s bigger fish to fry’ and in Oman’s case around a quarter of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Large groups of dolphin shoals are frequent visitors to the shores of both Muscat and Musandam and in a stunning display a group of over 2000 long-beaked common dolphins have been seen churning the surface of the water as they travel. Bryde’s whales are the most common whale species as are a group of Arabian Humpback Whales - the only group in the world that doesn’t migrate and can often be spotted off the coast of Salalah. A few lucky ones have even made sightings of Sperm whales!

The waters are also home to many different species of turtles, thousands migrate annually to lay their eggs on the shores of Oman. The arduous work of digging holes in the sand to bury their eggs lays the foundations to one of the most watched and loved moments of the year, for conservationists and tourists particularly, as the eggs hatch and baby turtles begin their dangerous journey to the waters edge. The Masirah is the largest nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtles in the world and Omani culture proudly protects this area with a week dedicated to conservation-focused activities. 

The rich waters of Oman are an oasis of calm overlaying an unimaginable underwater world. [ CLICK TO TWEET ] The outstanding preservation and cultivation of the marine life creates every diver’s dream. But there is only one way to truly find out for yourself, take to the waters and see!

Beauty Has An Address – Oman.

Adventure travel in Oman: Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

The waters surrounding Oman are rich in wildlife and natural beauty. From dhow cruises and scuba diving to sailing and snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep lovers of the sea active all year round.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

With 3,165km of coastline coupled with warm waters and shallow reefs, Oman’s shores provide both snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to savour life under the waves. It is common to see rays, turtles and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sperm whale or two. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include:

• The Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve, a UNESCO site with coral reefs, endangered hawksbill turtles and a spectacular array of tropical fish
• The secluded coves, mangroves and creeks of Bandar Khayran. This reserve hosts 22 top-notch dive spots, yet is just a 20-minute boat hop from downtown Muscat
• Fahal Island, or Shark Island, a popular nesting ground for sharks. Located 4km off of the Muscat coastline, Fahal Island is a protected nature reserve
• The northern Musandam Peninsula, where sites like Lima Rock host barracuda, turtles, sunfish, parrotfish, reef and whale sharks
• And the unspoiled beaches and rocky coastline of southern Salalah.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 6 Destinations for Spa & Wellness in Oman

AlBustan Beach

What is your aim when traveling? Do you look for get healthy and stay healthy besides enjoying your spare time?

If you are looking for a place with wellness purpose, that's a noble goal - one that many people make when traveling to Oman. 

When visiting Oman, there is plenty to see and do. Perfect for everyone from nature lovers and active travelers, to foodies and those just looking to relax with the family. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this southern paradise set amongst mountain ranges, fresh water springs and tropical scenery, at its best during rainy season, and home to the famous Frankincense Trails.

While wellness tourism is often correlated with Oman, Spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.

This is our Top 6:

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar - Muscat, Oman

A hidden retreat set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery just fifteen minutes from the Sultanate's capital of Muscat, the luxurious Shangri - Las's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa expresses the welcoming heritage of Oman.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar - Muscat, Oman

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Husn - Muscat, Oman

The 180 rooms and suites at Al Husn are among the largest and most luxurious in Oman, with an inviting decor inspired by royal Arabian palaces, accented by authentic Omani artworks.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Husn - Muscat, Oman

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Waha - Muscat, Oman

Whether your plans include adventure, rejuvenation or pure relaxation, Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa offers an  enticing array of activities for both adults and young people.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Waha - Muscat, Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Luxury Resort & Spa

The setting of the indigenous village style accommodations and private marina is dramatic, with mountains on one side and a 1.6 - kilometres sandy beach at Zighy Bay on the other.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Luxury Resort & Spa

Millenium Resort Mussanah

Newly opened, Zayna Spa at Millenium Resort Mussanah boasts 11 spacious treatment rooms, including one indulgent couples' suite and Oman's only Ayurvedic facility, Hammam, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and ladies lounge overlooking the private Marina.

Millenium Resort Mussanah

The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

For those that want to maintain their fitness regime or simply want to stay active during their stay there is also a modern and well equipped gym. The Spa combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors.

The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

Oman provides the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying your chosen treatment and offer a blend of traditional and new therapies which are designed to promote better balance between mind, body and spirit.

Recently Oman was shortlisted for the Travel Agents Choice Awards. Nomination close on October 8. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Oman, you are assured that all senses will be sated. [CLICK TO TWEET]

Beauty has an address... Oman!

Adventure travel in Oman: Super Spelunking and Creative Caving

Wadi Bani Jabir, located in Oman’s Al Sharqiyah region, is home to the second largest cave chamber in the world. The Majlis al Jinn (“Home of the Genie”) is estimated to measure around 60,000m2 – the size of seven aircraft hangars – and is accessed via plunging abseils. The cave also boasts two massive drops (160m and 120m) plus magnificent cave formations coloured in delicate shades of pink, yellow, gold, beige and grey. The cave even has its own subterranean lake.

Novice cavers will enjoy Al-Hoota Cave, located at the foot of Jabal Shams. The lower part of the cave is an eco-friendly tourist attraction. Guided tours escort visitors along illuminated pathways, passing crystal-garnished walls and the underground lake’s rare garra bareimiae, blind and spookily transparent fish. Intrepid spelunkers may also head to Teiq Cave, in Oman’s southern Dhofar region. This natural wonder possesses one of the largest sinkholes in the world. It is fed by two grand wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains. Seeking the Sultanate’s prettiest sinkhole? Take a dip in the Bimmah Sinkhole’s translucent turquoise waters, located near Dibab, east of Muscat.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om