The Rich Cultural Heritage of Muscat

The country’s rich cultural heritage is well preserved in Muscat's many museums, including:

• The Oman Museum, which covers 5,000 years of local history, with displays on shipbuilding, Islam and fort architecture
• Bait Al Zubair located within a traditional Omani house, giving insight into Omani lifestyle and traditions
• The Natural History Museum, with in-depth exhibitions of the country’s geology and wildlife; the museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion
• Beit Al Fransi, former home of the French Consul dedicated to the long rapport between France and Oman
• Bait Al Barandah, where interactive exhibits cover 100 million years of history
• The National Museum in Ruwi, chronicling Oman’s ruling dynasty, as well as exhibiting Omani silverwork and an 8^th-century letter from the Prophet Mohammed to the rulers of Oman, inviting the local people to Islam
• And the Armed Forces Museum, a military museum located in the 150-year old Bait Al Falaj Fort.
• Also worth a visit are The National Gate Museum, Children’s Museum, Currency museum, Ecology Oman Centre, Turtle Museum in Ras Al Hadd and the Franklin Centre Museum in Dhofar.

Additions to the country’s museum scene include:

· Muscat’s brand-new National Museum, with displays covering Omani history from prehistoric times to the present day

·  The new Maritime Museum in Sur, Oman’s northeastern coastal town that has long been an important centre for dhow construction

·   Mawaleh, Seeb’s new Museum of Omani Dress. The brand-new project, whose goal is to conserve Oman’s colourful national dress – and thus safeguard an important part of the country’s identity – is spearheaded by the non-profit group, Centre for Omani Dress (www.omanidress.com). The museum details men's and women's traditional costume, with special sections dedicated to children's clothes and general accessories.

Not a museum, but a Muscat must-see all the same, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was inaugurated in 2001. It is renowned for its enormous hand-woven carpet (70 x 60m) and 14-m Swarovski crystal chandelier.

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

Introduction To Oman

 A Unique Culture and Stunning Landscapes

The second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula (the same size as Germany), Oman boasts a unique culture and stunning landscapes. Its vast array of natural attractions range from rugged mountain ranges to ochre deserts. Divers, hikers and history buffs all relish the pristine local waters, untouched coastline and labyrinthine souks. The country’s welcoming population greets over 2.5 million travellers per year. And as word of Oman’s wonders spreads across the British press, around 133,000 of those visitors are now from the UK and over 7500 from Ireland (an increase of 10% and 21%).  

Oman’s greatest attraction is its diverse landscape. The peninsula of Musandam’s majestic fjords skirt the country’s northernmost tip. Further south, Oman is dotted with magnificent desert expanses, towering mountains and virgin sandy beaches. The range of activities available in Oman is equally varied, from canoeing in the Indian Ocean to bird watching and rock climbing. Boat trips to spot dolphins or close encounters with nesting turtles each serve to make a stay here utterly unique.

The country’s abundant cultural and archaeological heritage reflects hundreds of years of foreign influence and international trade. Evidence of this rich legacy is dispersed throughout the country. Oman is home to more than 500 forts, as well as castles, watchtowers and a wealth of ancient cave paintings, not to mention four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through deliberate and sustainable development, the country remains firmly rooted in its traditions. A trip to Oman affords the chance to experience the timeless Arabian way of life. Moreover, visitors will revel in the natural beauty of a country that purveys its own brand of low impact tourism.

Home to a wide range of accommodation from five-star resorts to boutique hotels and camps. Oman is an ideal destination for leisure, business, conference and incentive travel. State-of-the-art convention and conference facilities along with first-class air, road and telecommunication networks ensure that any trip to Oman runs smoothly. Visas on arrival are available to citizens of over 50 countries, including UK and Irish passport holders. 

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

Prince Harry arrives in Oman for Sultanate's National Day

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi; Undersecretary of Oman Ministry of Tourism greets HRH Prince Harry

Prince Harry arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday 18 November just in time for the Sultanate's National Day, the visit reflects a close personal and respectful relationship that exists between The Royal Families of both countries. The Prince is keen to see and experience the country for the first time following recent successful and enjoyable visits by other members of his family, including The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in 2010, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2013.

He received an official greeting on arrival at Muscat International Airport by His Highness Sayyid Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage and the Omani Patron of the Omani-British Friendship Association.

Prince Harry and his accompanying delegation also visited the historic Nizwa Souq. He was received by Sheikh Hamad bin Salim Al Aghbari, wali of Nizwa. During his tour to Nizwa Historic Souq and Nizwa Castle, Prince Harry viewed different craft industries and familiarised himself with various Omani traditional crafts. He also visited Jebel Akhdar as well.

Making use of the opportunity to view local arts and crafts at the Souq outside the gates of the Fort, HRH was then greeted with a traditional sword dance inside the Fort's courtyard.

On Tuesday night, His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said hosted a dinner reception at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in honour of Prince Harry and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of his current visit to the Sultanate.

Many other notable figures find Oman to be the perfect holiday destination with; Lulu Guiness,Christopher Biggins and Kate Silverton visiting recently. Find out more here

Beauty has an address ~ Oman www.omantourism.gov.om 

Oman’s Heritage: Forts, Castles And Towers

From ancient ruins and Portuguese forts to a gorgeous Grand Mosque, Oman will satisfy even the most ardenthistory addicts.

Ancients Forts

Oman’s heritage is evident in the 500 forts, castles and towers thatshowcase its rich cultural past. Muscat’s historical port area is the site of the Sultan’s Palace. Here two Portuguese-built 16^th-century forts, Jalali (Eastern) and Mirani (Western) dramatically guard the entrance to Muscat and serve as sentinels to the Sultan’s palace. The local military uses both forts, although the public can wander through their shady courtyards. To the east of a third fort, 16^th-century Muttrah, sits in a restored watchtower. The 100-step climb to the top may be steep, but is worth the effort for breath-taking views.

Nizwa Fort was completed in the 1650s. It is set amid date palm plantations and is one of Oman’s most visited national monuments. It is characterised by its towering walls, its 35-metre central turret and unique location at the heart of Nizwa’s town centre. Other Omani forts of interest are:

• Musandam’s award-winning 17^th-century Khasab Fort and 16th-century Bukha Fort, both built by the Portuguese
• Sohar Fort housing the Sohar Fort Museum, showcases the city’s history of navigation and overseas trade with China
• Rustaq Fort, built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman
• Hazm Fort, also in Rustaq, with its unique columned roof
• Nakhl Fort, boasting panoramic views over an oasis below
• Bahla Fort, which reopened in December 2012 after extensive renovations, and is surrounded by an incredible 12-km wall
• And the 17^th-century Jabrin Fort, constructed as a palace for the imams and famed for the ancient irrigation system flowing through its ramparts.

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

A Favourite Pastime For Omanis: Horseback Riding

Few scenes evoke wild Arabia as the image of riding horseback across desert dunes. Which makes it no surprise that there's a long tradition of riding in Oman, from show jumping and dressage to endurance racing and simple countryside exploration. 

Horses symbolise integrity and pride. Because of the horse’s high status and appreciation by Muslims, Oman has been famous since ancient times for raising, breeding, acquiring and caring for horses.

Horse racing is a favourite pastime for Omanis. Horse races are held annually, such as The Royal Horse Racing, organised by the Royal Stables, and horse racing in Omani States. You can find horse racing schedules on this link: www.rca.gov.om

Qurum Park, Muscat's largest green expanse, is criss-crossed by a variety of riding trails, while the park’s riding school, Qurum Equestrian (www.qe.hashimani.com) offers lessons, beach excursions and pony rides. Various companies offer horseback riding holidays across the country.

Note that Oman's hotter summertime weather makes riding an activity best pursued between October and April.

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

The Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism celebrates its 10th Anniversary and record visitor figures at WTM.

At the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Ministry of Tourism's creation, the Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, joined by 21 private sector companies, announced a consistent 10% increase of visitor figures from the UK for 2014.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013.

Her Excellency announced new events for 2015, The Sultan’s 45th Anniversary Year, include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale which was launched on 03 Monday November at WTM and new hotel openings.

During the show key meetings were held with ABTA, UNWTO, Global Spa and Wellness Summit – watch this space for future conferences.

Oman was the Middle East Just a Drop re-filling station and Headline sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.

Last day at WTM, the Oman Ministry of Tourism delegation joined seminars including bloggers networking, social media and film tourism.

The winner of the stand visitors business card draw Ipad mini was Yvonne Holmes from Classic Travel.

Oman 10th Anniversary L-R: Alison Cryer, Director UK & Ireland of the Oman Ministry of Tourism, Director General Haitham Al Ghassani, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Khalid Al Azri, Omani Student.

Rally Royale L-R: Ruba Jurdi- Founder of Rally Royale, Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Alison Cryer - Director UK & Ireland of the Oman Ministry of Tourism, Arthur op den Brouw, Founder and marketing and communications for Rally Royale.

World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014 L-R: Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi presenting her award.

Just a Drop L-R: Assistant Director General Haitham Al Ghassani 

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

   THE SULTANATE OF OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY,

   PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS DURING WORLD TRAVEL MARKET.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism tenth anniversary marks its many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at WTM by a delegation from the ministry and 21 companies from the Oman private sector at the cutting of an anniversary cake on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. Her Excellency will be joining other Minister’s from all over the world to discuss the impact of mega-events on tourism at this year’s UNWTO WTM Summit and will share Oman’s own experience of hosting the annual Tour of Oman international cycle race in its 15^th year.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013 while the most recent accolade received from the travel trade, the Star Middle East Tourist Office Award, will be presented to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

New events include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale to be launched on the first day of WTM. The Oman Grand Tour 2015 will have owners of pre-seventies vintage and classic cars taking part in the 21-day trip across the country that is expected to cover over 4,000 kilometres, starting on October 18, 2015. The Tour, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region, will also coincide with Oman's 45th National Day celebrations.

Private sector representatives are attending WTM as an opportunity to promote Oman’s latest accommodation openings including the Alila Jabal Akhdar mountain resort, the first five star hotel in Dhofar, the Salalah Rotana Resort and the Al Nahda Resort & Spa 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda opening in 2015. Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in the next two years include The Kempinski Hotel (2015) and The Fairmont Hotel (2016) at Muscat’s The Wave. The Ministry is looking towards Wellness Tourism as a new sector for growth with new spa resorts coming on board. Muscat has seen recent growth in the MICE market and this is anticipated to grow even faster with the opening of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition centre in 2016.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is the proud sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards on the third day of WTM and will be talking at length about the destination's sustainable tourism offerings. A new Public Transport Master Plan to be ready by December 2014 and once implemented will provide a state of the art bus network that can be integrated into bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems at a later stage.

The Sultanate of Oman stand is the ideal spot for WTM visitors to take a short well deserved break during the show where they will find Omani coffee and dates served in traditional Omani style, a Just A Drop Water refill area and travel agents will have the chance to win an iPad Mini in a business card draw where every travel agent entry will receive a ceramic keying or banner pen.

For more information please visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

10th Anniversary of The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s tenth anniversary marks its many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at WTM by a delegation from the ministry and 21 companies from the Oman private sector at the cutting of an anniversary cake on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. Her Excellency will be joining other Minister’s from all over the world to discuss the impact of mega-events on tourism at this year’s UNWTO WTM Summit and will share Oman’s own experience of hosting the annual Tour of Oman international cycle race in its 15^th year.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013 while the most recent accolade received from the travel trade, the Star Middle East Tourist Office Award, will be presented to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

New events include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale to be launched on the first day of WTM. The Oman Grand Tour 2015 will have owners of pre-seventies vintage and classic cars taking part in the 21-day trip across the country that is expected to cover over 4,000 kilometres, starting on October 18, 2015. The Tour, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region, will also coincide with Oman's 45th National Day celebrations.

Private sector representatives are attending WTM as an opportunity to promote Oman’s latest accommodation openings including the AlilaJabal Akhdar mountain resort, the first five star hotel in Dhofar, the SalalahRotana Resort and the Al Nahda Resort & Spa 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda opening in 2015. Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in the next two years include The Kempinski Hotel (2015) and The Fairmont Hotel (2016) at Muscat’s The Wave. The Ministry is looking towards Wellness Tourism as a new sector for growth with new spa resorts coming on board. Muscat has seen recent growth in the MICE market and this is anticipated to grow even faster with the opening of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition centre in 2016.

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is the proud sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards on the third day of World Travel Market and will be talking at length about the destination's sustainable tourism offerings. A new Public Transport Master Plan to be ready by December 2014 and once implemented will provide a state of the art bus network that can be integrated into bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems at a later stage.

The Oman stand is the ideal spot for WTM visitors to take a short well deserved break during the show where they will find Omani coffee and dates served in traditional Omani style, a Just A Drop Water refill area and travel agents will have the chance to win an iPad Mini in a business card draw where every travel agent entry will receive a ceramic keying or banner pen.

Ancient Trade Routes And Cross Remote Plateaus: Hiking in Oman

Oman’s mountains provide excellent conditions for trekking. Intrepid explorers can expect to stumble across otherworldly vistas, unusual fossils and herds of impressively sure-footed mountain goats. Hikes through Jabal Akhdar often follow T. Falaj, or rivers of underground water that have been channelled through narrow canals for irrigation, connect many of the mountain villages. On hot summer days, groups of local children splash around, dipping in and out of the falaj’s cooling flow.

Perched at 2,000m, the town of Wakan is ringed by walking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. With its surrounding date palms, grapevines and pomegranate trees, it personifies Jabal Akhdar (“Green Mountain”). The village is often rated as one of the Sultanate’s prettiest. The trek to the precipitous Wadi an Nakhur, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, is punctuated with panoramic vistas. Clusters of ancient stone homes, such as the picturesque Al Sab and Birkat al Mawz, perch along its lofty peaks.

Musandam, the northernmost region of the country, offers experienced hikers rocky, wide-open terrain that spills across dramatic cliffs. On a clear day, It is possible to see across the Strait of Hormuz to the Iranian coastline. Around the coastal village of Sur, the Eastern Hajar Mountains enable visitors to combine elevated trekking with beachside camping.

For trekkers keen to leave Oman’s tourist trails far behind, centuries of Arabian Sea erosion have created the stunning limestone rock formations at Ras Duqm in the southern region of AlWasta. Its surrounding terrain draws gulls and terns, making it particularly appealing to keen birdwatchers. Ras Markaz, a remote promontory located here, shelters a kilometre-long sandy beach.

In contrast to Oman’s other regions, Salalah in the southern Dhofar province enjoys the annual monsoon, or khareef. Cooler temperatures, perennial waterfalls and a year-round verdant landscape make the region ideal for exploring on foot.

Experiencedrock-climbers seeking more challenging routes in Oman may refer to this Press Pack’s ‘Adventure Travel’ section. For hikers of all levels, Oman Trekking Explorer is an excellent guidebook to the country’s many and varied trails. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com. 

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

Adventure travel in Oman: Cross-Country Cycling

The Tour of Oman – which takes place on a track designed by cycling legend Eddy Merckx – celebrated its fifth edition in 2014. The race has attracted a wide range of international cyclists, including stars such as Sir Bradley Wiggins, Alberto Contador and Fabian Cancellara. British Olympian Chris Froome won the Tour of Oman in 2014.

With the Tour de France celebrating its 100^th year in July 2013, it is expected that the international popularity of cycling will continue to increase. Likewise, cycling in the Sultanate has recently taken off in a big way – and fortunately, Oman offers plenty of places to explore by bike. Rarely peddled trails weave through the Hajar Mountains: these off-the-beaten-track pathways pass through remote villages, encouraging cyclists to savour the scenery and to stop and chat with locals. Muscat Cycling Club can provide information about group rides, local events and maps.

ExploringOmanon foot – whether you go it alone, hitch a ride on one of the country’s many camels or even head out on horseback – turns up plenty of exotic discoveries.

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

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