THE SULTANATE OF OMAN MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENT OPENINGS IN 2013/2014

Oman expects to open several new hotels and complexes with more than 2,000 resort and hotel rooms to be added in 2013. Oman’s Capital City Muscat will see the majority of growth with over 720 new rooms, with the rest spread evenly across the country. New hotel openings in 2013 include the Fraser Place Sohar which is currently on track to open later on in 2013 and the Azaiba Hotel, Muscat, an $80 million 5* project that is expected to be operational by mid-2013.

The Sultanate's expanding hotel portfolio will soon include Four Seasons, Banyan Tree Hotels and Hotel Missoni in Muscat’s Jebel Sifah project. Omran (the Sultanate’s leading tourism-related development, hospitality management and investment company) has recently announced that it has passed the 60% construction mark of its 2,000 metre hilltop luxury project, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort, set to open its doors in December 2013 and the 110-room Khasab Hotel in Musandam is also set to open towards the end of 2013.

These developments are in addition to boutique hotels that opened in 2012 including the 5* Juweira Boutique Hotel, Salalah Beach, The View and Sahab Hotel in the Jebel Akhdar mountain range and the Jebel Sifah boutique hotel near Muscat. Following the Sultanate’s sustainable tourism model, Omran recently completed the installation and furnishing of ten eco-friendly luxury tents at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. The increase in accommodation availability also included the completion of an 800 metre walkway that enables visitors to move from the reserve’s Scientific and Visitor Centre to the tents’ picturesque location.

The Duqm City Hotel a 117 room business hotel equipped with comfortable rooms and business amenities opened its doors at the end of 2012 catering for business travellers seeking affordable and contemporary Omani hospitality along with the 4 Star, 200 room Duqm Crowne Plaza both ideally located from which to visit the Duqm Rock Gardens.

Developments around the Sultanate include a 20-room and 12-villa Cheval Blanc Resort on Sodah Island with private beaches for each unit and a new Crowne Plaza in the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre precinct both due to be completed by the end of 2015.

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, due for completion at the end of 2015, is set to become an iconic landmark for Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman. Surrounded by nature it overlooks a wadi that is a haven for Oman’s exotic bird life. The world-class facility is perfectly suited to host international, regional and national conventions, exhibitions and business events. Amongst its features will be a tiered auditorium seating 3,200 people and more than 22,000 square metres of exhibition space.

 

For more information please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Alison Cryer/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4501/4504
Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk 

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

WATCH, TAKE PART, OR JUST PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY AT OMAN’S 3RD INTERNATIONAL SALSA & DANCE FESTIVAL

Yet another facet of this diverse country and swiftly following the Tour of Oman won by Chris Froome the third Oman International Salsa & Dance Festival kicks off today with a lively pre festival party at the pool area of the festival’s home, Al Nahda Resort and Spa, just outside Oman’s capital city of Muscat. The festival that runs until 02 March 2013 is a gathering of professional artists, performers, instructors and DJ’s bringing salsa to enthusiasts and novices alike. The event is three days and nights of a variety of dances with all-night salsa, BBQ’s and pool parties, www.omansalsafestival.com.

Guests will learn from the best of the best in the Latin dance industry. There is something for everyone at the festival from the absolute beginner to the advanced dancer. Daily workshops teach an array of dance including Salsa, Bachata, Spins, Cha Cha, Mens and Ladies Styling, Cuban Salsa, Zaire, Reggaeton, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Samba, and Zouk just to name a few! For those that would rather watch than take part there are spectacular shows on Thursday and Friday evening from 8.30pm-10.30pm featuring acclaimed international dancers.

The festival promises to have a great atmosphere with after show party’s keeping guests dancing until the early hours. On Saturday 02 March there is even a pool party that gets underway at 10am with salsa DJ’s on hand to supply the tunes throughout each party.

Built into the festivals itinerary is also the chance to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Muscat on either Thursday 28 February 2013 or on Sunday 04 March 2013.  A tour of Oman’s spectacular capital is strongly advised to all guests. The tours will showcase Muscat’s breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. Visitors will see Muscat’s authentic houses, forts, muttrah souk, small shops, and winding roads side by side with modern buildings and streets. Oman has developed its own architectural style that allows its historic buildings to blend comfortably with low rise modern developments. A visit of the Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are a must or unwind on a traditional dhow cruise off Muscat’s coastline. Visitors to Oman’s capital can now explore the city even easier with the new 12-stop hop-on, hop-off Double Decker Big Bus Tours, www.bigbustours.com. Follow in the footsteps of HRH Prince Charles visiting Oman later in the month and put the 4th Oman International Salsa & Dance Festival in your diary for a reason to visit Oman in 2014.

For more information & high-res images please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Alison Cryer/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4501/4504
Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk
 Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

CHRIS FROOME WINS TOUR OF OMAN 2013!

Runner-up of the 2012 Tour de France, Christopher Froome of Great Britain’s Team Sky started his 2013 season in style, winning the 4th edition of the Tour of Oman that came to a thrilling close on Saturday. The tour ran from 11-16 February 2013 with 5 stages and 1 time trial, covering a total distance of 938.5km with 18 professional cycling teams participating, made up of 144 of the most recognized names in the sport.

The cyclists competed in stages that saw them race through Oman’s vibrant capital city, Muscat and the Al Batinah, the Al Dhakaliya and Al Dhahirah regions in glorious 30˚C sunshine.

His Excellency Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, Head of Muscat Municipality and organiser of the Tour of Oman stated “It has been an honour to be able to watch a battle between the best riders in the world unfold here in Oman. We have the ideal landscape for cycling and I am optimistic that the combination of our road system, organisation, the warm weather, and most importantly, the warmth and enthusiasm of the Omani people will continue to make our race a firm favourite on the calendar for elite cyclists for many years to come. 

It is fitting that we used the occasion of the Tour of Oman to launch O'bike, the first self-service bicycle system in Oman. This is the next step in Muscat Municipality's vision to make Muscat a city for people and part of our plan to build on the momentum that the Tour has created to inspire both locals and tourists to take up cycling in Muscat."

His Excellency Sheikh Saad Mohamed Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs was the Guest of Honour for the final stage and shared his appreciation of the value of the Tour of Oman to the development of sport in Oman "This race is impressive and we are extremely proud to be hosting these elite athletes in Oman. The crowds watching from the finish line speak for themselves and showcase the increasing popularity of cycling here in Oman. We look forward to welcoming the cyclists back for the 2014 Tour of Oman."  The tour is expected to be just as popular next year running in February and will again be the first major tour of the calendar year. 

A smiling Chris Froome, winner of the 2013 Tour of Oman said at the launch of the O’Bike initiative "This was another exciting route, and exciting finale”.

The event showcased Oman’s natural beauty and varied landscape with the cyclists tackling undulating terrain in the glorious sunshine. Oman hopes to welcome many more visitors for the Tour of Oman in 2014. Whilst in Oman, tourists should be sure to explore Muscat with its ancient cultural heritage and modern style, indulge in pure luxury in some of the most spectacular resorts & spas in the world, experience off road driving in the desert, dive off the shores of Oman’s spectacular 3,165km coastline or play golf at one of Muscat’s three 18 hole courses. With its mountains and coastal weather, cyclists can enjoy Oman year round www.omantourism.gov.om.

WHAT’S ON IN OMAN IN 2013

The country’s capital, Muscat has a variety of interesting, cultural events throughout the year including at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a must to experience a range of musical genres, contemporary and traditional styles and events, www.rohmuscat.org.om.

One of the most popular ways to see Muscat in 2013 is with the new Double Decker Big Bus Tours where tourists and locals alike can explore the city with the 12-stop hop-on, hop-off tours, www.bigbustours.com.

There are a variety of different events at the start of 2013. The New Year kicks off with the Muscat Festival from 30 January to 28 February, set to have a host of new venues including Al Amerat Park, Nassem Garden and Bauscher Stadium. The festival will include a number of activities related to Omani heritage and culture as well as fashion shows, food festivals, concerts, special events and fireworks, www.muscat-festival.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace in Muscat celebrates the Chinese New Year on 10 February 2013 by unveiling a series of new dining and accommodation programmes for guests to see in the Year of the Snake. Guests are invited to release lanterns at midnight and make a wish for the coming New Year, www.ritzcarlton.com.

For those who are looking to witness something more active don’t miss the fourth Tour of Oman cycling race 11-16 February, which will see the participation of 128 riders representing 16 teams one of which is Great Britain’s SKY Pro cycling team. The race will start from Musannah, passing through Rustaq, Nakhl and Al Khoudh, with the finish line at Sultan Qaboos University. The fifth stage crosses the city of Muscat several times finishing at the Ministry of Housing building. The final 144km stage is through Hawiyat Najam Park with the race ending at Muttrah Corniche, www.tourofoman.om.

The third Oman International Salsa & Dance Festival from 27 February to 02 March 2013 is a gathering of professional artists, performers, instructors and DJ’s bringing salsa to enthusiasts and novices alike. The event is three days and nights of a variety of dances with all-night salsa, BBQ’s and pool parties, www.omansalsafestival.com.

Other noteworthy events for 2013 include:

January

Cultural Theatre Programme – Running from January to March 2013, different groups from around the world perform during these cultural evenings in Salalah.

February

Oman Food Festival – Held at the Qurum National Park on 07 February, it is a great opportunity to sample traditional Omani cuisine. The festival is run in conjunction with expert chefs and students from the Oman Tourism College.

Traditional Boat Race – Oman’s maritime heritage is commemorated with this traditional boat race on 09 February with boats like Dhow Boats, Old Houri, New Houri and Al Shash competing against each other.

March

Bird Watching - March is one of the best months for bird watching due to the cooler temperatures. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions: Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird watchers. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

April

Scuba Diving – Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Bandar Khayran, Al Fahal Islands, Damaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. The best time to dive in Muscat and around is from April to July.

July

Salalah Tourism Festival – Colourful parades take to the streets on 01 July while artistic and cultural exhibitions are arranged by organisations such as the Omani Society of Fine Arts, Omani Women’s Society, Royal Oman Police and Royal Army. Festival activities include artistic and cultural shows and parades.

Renaissance Day – This celebration gives thanks to the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said began his rule in 1970, transforming Oman into the modern, advanced and industrial country of today. The festival takes place 23 July and celebrations are nationwide.

August

Eid Al-Fitr – An important Muslim holiday on 08 August 2013 which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated across the country. The markets of Nizwa, Nafar and Suroor become especially busy.

September

Turtle Spotting – The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz. These turtles migrate to Oman from the Red Sea and East African Coast.

Golf – Due to the climate, golfing in Oman is most popular from the months of September to May. Muscat now has three 18-hole grass golf courses, with more expected to launch in the near future.

October

Eid Al-Adha – The Feast of Sacrifice is a Muslim holiday and the second of the two Eid festivals on 15 October and commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God. Morning prayers are followed by family getting together and exchanging gifts.

November

Laser World Championships – Oman is set to host one of the largest international sporting events in the Sultanate’s history after Oman Sail won the rights to stage the Laser World Championships in 2013.

December

The Islamic New Year - Celebrations starting 04 November and carrying on until December mark the beginning of the new Islamic Calendar.

Year Round

Camping - Oman provides a variety of options when it comes to camping. Visitors can camp almost anywhere, from out in the desert, on mountain tops to the secluded beaches of the Dimaniyat Islands.

The country is also witness to the opening of several new hotels and complexes with more than 2,000 resort and hotel rooms to be added between 2012 and 2013. Muscat will see the majority of growth with over 720 new rooms, with the rest spread evenly across the country. New hotel openings in 2013 include the Fraser Place Sohar which is currently on track to open later on in 2013 and the Azaiba Hotel, an $80 million 5* project that is expected to be operational by mid-2013. The hotel will reportedly have four differently-themed restaurants with multi-level basement parking. These developments are in addition to luxury hotels that opened in 2012 including the 5* Juweira Boutique Hotel, based at Salalah Beach.

A new national railway company is also being developed in Oman in 2013. The company will be fully owned by the government, who will supervise planning and construction. This project is the biggest addition to the transport sector projects within the Sultanate and will go a long way to enhancing trade and investment. The railway is designed for passenger trains going at speeds of up to 200km/hr.

                                                                   -Ends-

For more information please contact: 
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Sangita Makwana/Alison Cryer/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4501/4504
Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

TRY OMAN’S ROCK CLIMBING, HIKING, ABSEILING, OFF ROAD DRIVING, KITE SURFING AND EXPLORE ONE OF THE LARGEST CAVERNS IN THE WORLD IN 2013

The Sultanate of Oman is a haven for adventure seekers, from rock climbing and hiking in the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula to abseiling into one of the world’s largest cave chambers, Majlis al Jinn in Selma Plateau, 100km south-east of Muscat. Just reaching the Cave opening requires strenuous physical effort, trekking through rugged mountain terrain over a distance of 1,300 metres, followed by an abseil into the cave with a depth of 120 metres, under supervision and guidance.

Visitors to Oman should not miss the opportunity to experience a slice of traditional Arabia and head to the Wahiba Sands to discover the 150m high sand ridges and drive 4 by 4 cars across the undulating landscape with luxury accommodation in permanent camps with Hud Hud mobile camps or a basic Bedouin tent.  

The Bawshar Sands, not far from the beaches of Muscat also provide the perfect location for sand-duning in SUV’s, or gliding on sand bikes that are easy to rent in the area.

For adventure seekers more inspired by climbing and trekking than off road driving then the hour trek along path W6 at the village of Al Khitaym to the abandoned village of Sab Bani Khamis is a must, providing stunning views of Oman’s Grand Canyon. The huge Canyon belongs to Jebel Shams (The Mountain of Sun) that at 3,000 metres is the highest point in Oman. Oman also has fantastic via ferrate routes (rock climbing with fixed cables and bridges) to ensure safety whilst climbing with the Snake Canyon, located near Balad Sayt in Wadi Bani Awf offering an exciting series of traverses and zip line crossings’ 100m above the canyon floor with the climb taking 4 hours.

For those that enjoy adventure away from dry land then Kitesurfing that combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport is an adventure surface water sport that is sure to thrill. Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, it is a sport that is growing fast and readily available at a number of sites throughout Oman including Duqm Beach and Masirah Island. 

To learn more about Oman’s adventure offerings visit the Oman Ministry of Tourism stand, A1a at the Adventure Travel Show, Olympia London on 26 & 27 January 2013 www.adventureshow.co.uk.

For more information please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Sangita Makwana/Alison Cryer/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4501/4504
Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

OMAN LAUNCHED ITS NEW STAND AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2012

• Oman has featured the creative elements of its destination brand in the design of its new exhibition stand launched at World Travel Market. The stand’s curved lines mirrored Arabic calligraphy with colours drawn from Oman’s brand palette to convey Oman tourism’s strap line: Beauty has an address.

• Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism said “we were delighted to have the opportunity to launch our stand at WTM. Our brief to the design team was to produce a stand that showcased our Brand and I think we achieved this brilliantly”.

• Creative Action Design from London and TBWA/Zeenah worked with the Ministry’s Marketing Division to design the stand. While the design is fresh and modern, its detail reflects Oman’s cultural and natural values, and authenticity.

Oman has used the creative elements of its destination brand in the design of its new exhibition launched at World Travel Market. The stand’s curved lines mirror Arabic calligraphy while the colours are drawn from Oman’s brand palette to convey Oman tourism’s strap line: Beauty has an address. Oman Tourism’s Ministry believes the stand is another step in its strategy to build awareness in its destination values and attributes.

Beginning in 2008, Oman’s Tourism Ministry has led the international roll-out of Oman’s Brand, championing a global brand awareness campaign on BBC Worldwide and BBC.com that has boosted trade and consumer engagement with Oman. 

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism said “we were delighted to have the opportunity to launch our stand at such a high profile event as WTM. Our brief to the design team was to produce a stand that showcased our Brand values and visitors to the stand were excited in what we have achieved” she said.

Creative Action Design (CAD) from London and TBWA/Zeenah in Muscat worked with the Ministry to design the open space stand. The design is fresh and modern, with colours to convey Brand themes of majesty, heritage, environment and nature.

Her Excellency says that “the overall impression is one of vitality and freshness, and I think this will assist us in positioning Oman as a progressive and beautiful destination”.

Over 20 private sector companies and hoteliers were among Oman’s delegation at World Travel Market.

-Ends-

UK & Ireland media contact:

Alison Cryer, Director - UK & Ireland / Sangita Makwana, Sales Manager
Oman Ministry of Tourism Market Representative Office

Email: alison@representationplus.co.uk / oman@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: + 44 208 877 4524

Website: www.omantourism.gov.om

Agents training website: www.omanacademy.com

Follow us on facebook: omantourism-uk

International media contact:                                                                                          

Peter Keage, Ministry of Tourism, T: +968 2458 8831                                                 

E: peterk@omantoursm.gov.om,

NOTES TO EDITOR

Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism (formed June 2004) is the Sultanate’s lead agency for tourism planning, industry development and marketing. Tourism is recognised as a major opportunity in the Sultanate’s economic diversification with the sector generating around 3% of GDP in 2011.

Oman’s tourism strategy showcases cultural heritage and natural diversity to selected visitor segments. Oman’s cultural heritage includes World Heritage Listed Sites while its natural diversity extends to hosting a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as distinct environments that ranging from coral reefs to high mountains, expansive deserts and sub-tropical landscapes. A unique concentration in Arabia.

Annual international arrival growth to the Sultanate over the past five years has exceeded 11%. Oman Air’s network expansion to the United Kingdom and Europe has played a significant role in boosting arrivals. The Ministry and industry is now working with Oman Air to build stop-over activity, enhanced by recently introduced discounted visas.

2015-16 will see the opening of Oman’s world-class Convention and  Exhibition Centre, a 3,000 seat facility with four hotels totaling a 1,000 rooms, a nationally significant development that will allow Oman to host international business events and conferences. This adds to a large portfolio of recently opened attractions including the Royal Opera House Muscat, and niche resorts in spa in Hajar Mountains and Salalah.

Additionally, the Ministry manages a large portfolio of restored forts and castles, many of which are major regional attractions with quality museum collections. The Ministry champions the Sultanate of Oman’s Brand Mark using the Brand call: Beauty has an address. Representative offices (United Kingdom, Germany/Scandinavia, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, GCC, India and Australia/New Zealand) manage market-specific trade, media and consumer campaigns. The Ministry provides advice and guidance to a wide range of events and festivals. The Ministry’s consumer and corporate web sites are www.omantourism.gov.om, www.muscat2012.om, www.moreoman.com and www.mot.gov.om.

OMAN TOURISM MINISTRY LAUNCHES NEW PROMOTIONAL DVD: BEAUTY HAS AN ADDRES

·    Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has used World Travel Market 2012 and associated events to launch Oman’s new promotional DVDs entitled: Beauty has an address. The Ministry has lunched 10, 6 and 4 minute DVDs as a resource to the travel and tourism trade.

·        Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism said “the new DVDs build on the global brand campaign running on BBC Worldwide and carry the same evocative tone, look and feel. The DVDs are a unique introduction to beautiful Oman”.

·    Charlie Targett-Adams from London’s Love Commercial Production Company produced and directed the DVDs, adding to Love’s earlier commission for the BBC Worldwide advertisement. Charlie Tagett-Adams said “this assignment was a great professional and personal experience. I am delighted to be able to show this very special destination to the world”.

Building on the success of its global brand campaign running on BBC Worldwide, Oman’s Tourism Ministry has used WTM and its associated events to launch new promotional DVDs on the Sultanate. Ten, six and four minute versions of the DVDs will be distributed to the travel and tourism trade in coming weeks.

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism said “the new DVDs build on our global brand campaign on BBC Worldwide and BBC.Com. The DVDs carry the same evocative tone, look and feel that make Oman a stand-out destination in the Gulf. The DVDs are a unique introduction to beautiful Oman” she said.

The Ministry commissioned The Love Commercial Production Company to produce the advertisements, building on its earlier BBC Worldwide commission to develop Oman’s destination advertisement. The DVDs are the work of up and coming British Director Charlie Targett-Adams.

Charlie Targett-Adams said “this assignment was a great professional and personal experience. My previous Middle East experience was a holiday in Dubai, so Oman’s overpowering landscapes and bright natural colours were a great discovery. I am delighted to be able to show this very special destination to the world. I think the work captures the between tradition and modernity that Oman uniquely provides, and of the cultural heritage Omanis are so proud of. Beauty has an address is such a brilliant way to describe Oman” he ended.

The DVDs will be used widely by Oman’s travel and tourism trade. Copies will be soon available for download from the Ministry’s web site www.omantourism.gov.om

-Ends-

UK & Ireland media contact:

Alison Cryer, Director - UK & Ireland / Sangita Makwana, Sales Manager
Oman Ministry of Tourism Market Representative Office

Email: alison@representationplus.co.uk / oman@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: + 44 208 877 4524

Website: www.omantourism.gov.om

Agents training website: www.omanacademy.com

Follow us on facebook: omantourism-uk

International media contact:                                                                                          

Peter Keage, Ministry of Tourism, T: +968 2458 8831                                                  

E: peterk@omantoursm.gov.om,

Notes to Editors:

The Love Commercial Production Company: www.hellolove.tv

Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism (formed June 2004) is the Sultanate’s lead agency for tourism planning, industry development and marketing. Tourism is recognised as a major opportunity in the Sultanate’s economic diversification with the sector generating around 3% of GDP in 2011.

Oman’s tourism strategy showcases cultural heritage and natural diversity to selected visitor segments. Oman’s cultural heritage includes World Heritage Listed Sites while its natural diversity extends to hosting a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as distinct environments that ranging from coral reefs to high mountains, expansive deserts and sub-tropical landscapes. A unique concentration in Arabia.

Annual international arrival growth to the Sultanate over the past five years has exceeded 11%. Oman Air’s network expansion to the United Kingdom and Europe has played a significant role in boosting arrivals. The Ministry and industry is now working with Oman Air to build stop-over activity, enhanced by recently introduced discounted visas.

2015-16 will see the opening of Oman’s world-class Convention and  Exhibition Centre, a 3,000 seat facility with four hotels totaling a 1,000 rooms, a nationally significant development that will allow Oman to host international business events and conferences. This adds to a large portfolio of recently opened attractions including the Royal Opera House Muscat, and niche resorts in spa in Hajar Mountains and Salalah.

Additionally, the Ministry manages a large portfolio of restored forts and castles, many of which are major regional attractions with quality museum collections. The Ministry champions the Sultanate of Oman’s Brand Mark using the Brand call: Beauty has an address. Representative offices (United Kingdom, Germany/Scandinavia, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, GCC, India and Australia/New Zealand) manage market-specific trade, media and consumer campaigns. The Ministry provides advice and guidance to a wide range of events and festivals. The Ministry’s consumer and corporate web sites are www.omantourism.gov.om, www.muscat2012.om, www.moreoman.com and www.mot.gov.om.

VISIT THE SULTANATE OF OMAN TO DISCOVER WHY THEIR 3,165KM COASTLINE IS A MUST FOR ALL DIVERS

With 3,165km of coastline, the Sultanate of Oman offers some of the best undiscovered marine sanctuaries for the discerning diver. Spectacular wall drop-offs, scenic coral lined fjords and unspoilt marine life such as moray eels, black-tip reef sharks, barracudas and hawksbill turtles all offer a memorable diving experience.

Scuba diving and snorkelling is an increasingly popular activity in Oman with world class sites such as the Damaniyat Islands, a marine nature conservation reserve, situated approximately 18 kilometres off the Batinah Coast. Divers can enjoy 100 species of vividly coloured reef fish, hawksbills and green turtles and several species of dolphins and whales. Bandar Khiran, another hotspot for divers is just 20 minutes by boat from Muscat and has fjord-like entrances with numerous bays. There are in fact 40 dive sites in Muscat alone. The area of Zighy Bay in Musandam is renowned for its spectacular, diverse marine life ranging from exotic reef fish to schooling barracuda and dive sites with an array of hard and soft corals splashed with colourful sponges. In order to support the marine biodiversity and coral reefs, hoteliers are encouraged to take part in the Reef Check Project, which provides a comprehensive view of reefs and gives a complete picture of coral reef health.

Whilst in Oman, divers should spend some time out of the water and combine diving with desert or mountain safaris and explore cultural Muscat, voted Arab Tourism Capital 2012.