Tag Archives: Oman

With more and more visitors arriving in the Sultanate of Oman, tourism is recovering fast. In July alone, the number of visitors, including those from India, reached 36,087, the highest in the last decade. This year, arrivals from India reached 167,678 between January to July. To cater to this growing number of tourists looking for unique destinations in Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced a special promotional roadshow in five major source cities in India commencing from 22 to 29 August, 2022. The roadshow, comprising a delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Omani tour operators, hotels and airlines, will kick off from New Delhi and Ahmedabad and progress through Mumbai and Chennai to conclude in Bangalore. The roadshow aims to showcase outstanding experiences in Oman’s unique destinations and promote unique travel experiences for leisure, weddings, conferences and exhibitions. Commenting on the launch of the promotional roadshow, Ms Asma Salim Al Hajri, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “India is one of the most important source markets for the Sultanate of Oman under our marketing and promotional strategy for all target segments. The roadshow will showcase the unique selling points (USPs) of destinations in Oman that will pique their interest to inspire Indian tourists to travel.” “We also seek to promote the Sultanate as an attractive destination for weddings as this is one of the growing tourism segments, especially for visitors from India. With its pristine nature, picturesque beaches and unique architecture, Oman has seen many Indian weddings for its exceptional capabilities in terms of logistical facilities and accommodation,” she added. Al Hajri also said that the Sultanate of …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, along with Buzz Travel Marketing, took half-a-dozen Wedding Planners from various Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur, to a familiarisation trip to Oman from 29 July 2022 to 6 August 2022. The idea behind the trip was to showcase and promote the wedding destinations in Oman. During the nine-day trip, the wedding planners were taken to numerous destinations and hotels for site inspections in and around Al Jebel Akhdar, Muscat and other place in Oman. Among the important hotels and resorts visited by the guests included Jumeirah Bay Muscat, Shangri-la Hotel, W, the View, Anantara Jabal Akhdar, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Dusit D2 Resort, Golden Tulip Nizwa and Crowne Plaza Muscat. The visitors had all praise for the destination. “Oman has the most beautiful coastline with azure blue waters, a stunning mountain range, which serve as a backdrop, and emerald green wadis. Anywhere you turn to look, automatically becomes an ‘instagram picture’ moment. Not to forget the Omani people who go the extra mile to make your every wish come true. Hospitality seems to be ingrained in the people of Oman,” said Mehernosh Colombowalla, one of the fam trip members. The wedding planners also enjoyed visit to historical sites and important places of interest. Among them were Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman that can accommodate 20,000 devotees together; Al Hoota cave; Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique mountainous village located 1,000 metre above sea level on the mountain foothills surrounding wilayat Al Hamra in Al Dhakhiyla Governorate; Birkat Al Mauz, a beautiful village situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains); Nizwa Fort, and Wadi Bani …

Oman recorded 794,000 inbound travellers till the end of the end of May 2022. As many as 111,883 Indian travelers visited Oman till the end of May 2022 as compared to 24,881 recorded in April this year. According to the tourism indicators for May 2022 released by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), while 1.5 million travelers departed Oman by the end of May 2022, the nation received 794,000 travellers from GCC nations, India, Yemen, Germany, and United Kingdom by the end of May 2022.

With the tourist sector recovering following lifting of COVID-19 restrictions by many countries, Oman recorded 794,000 inbound travellers till the end of the end of May 2022. As many as 111,883 Indian travelers visited Oman till the end of May 2022 as compared to 24,881 recorded in April this year. According to the tourism indicators for May 2022 released by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), while 1.5 million travelers departed Oman by the end of May 2022, the nation received 794,000 travellers from GCC nations, India, Yemen, Germany, and United Kingdom by the end of May 2022.  The top five nationalities arriving into Oman out of the total inbound included GCC nations, India, Yemen, Pakistan and Germany and the number of travelers recorded were 349,986; 111,883; 28,495; 23,603, and 23,289, respectively. As many as 216,000 visitors arrived in Oman in the month of May 2022 alone as compared 6,036 in May 2021. The total number of inbound visitors increased by over 35 times as compared to the inbound visitors in May 2021.  The number of Omanis departing the country during the month of May 2022 was registered at 184,000 compared to 135, 969 recorded in the same month of the previous year. Many travelers could not leave Oman following strict COVID-19 restrictions.  While this was so, the percentage of Gulf visitors increased by 54.5 per cent out of the total inbound visitors during May 2022. As many as 216,000 visitors arrived in Oman during the month of May 2022 as against 6,036 in May 2021.  Meanwhile, according to the survey, three to five-star hotels generated a revenue of OMR 73 million from 3-5 star hotels by the end …

With the tourist sector in Oman recovering following lifting of curbs by several countries, the country recorded a mammoth 32,570 Indian tourist arrivals in May 2022, the highest so far since 2012. A total of 13,481 Indian travelers visited Oman in January 2022, compared to 7,340 of the corresponding month in 2021. 

As a cornerstone of Oman’s tourism, the MICE industry is regarded as one of the Sultanate’s most essential pillars of business tourism. The Sultanate is emerging as a top international MICE destination, with one of the largest conference centres in the region, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, constructed close to Muscat International Airport. Oman’s famed hospitality, the plethora of exceptional activities available, as well as its distinctive architecture, culture, and tradition, add to its allure, together with a large selection of top-notch hotels and all the necessary infrastructure. On 31 May 2022, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) held its 31st congress at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was hosted by the Oman Journalists Association. Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, inaugurated the triennial congress. Sayyid Asaad welcomed the delegates and commended the Oman Journalists Association for hosting “this great international press and media gathering,” emphasising the Sultanate’s delight in hosting the event. He characterised it as an opportunity for attendees to learn about Oman’s resurgence in all domains, as well as the Sultanate’s tourism, culture, and economic prospects to the worldwide media. The agenda for the four-day conference covered a wide range of topics, including debates about the influence of the media on society and a gathering of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Journalists (FAPAJ). The convention has grown in prominence as the Middle East’s most important journalism and media event on a local, regional, and international level. The triennial congress, organised in collaboration with the Oman Journalists’ Association (OJA), aimed to assist Oman in establishing its position on the …

Following a two-year hiatus, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman has restarted promotional strategies aimed at sector operators, media, and Indian consumers. The Ministry will oversee the development and promotion of tourism in the Sultanate under the direction of His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the new Minister. In line with this, Oman Tourism has named Buzz Travel Marketing India as its new Indian representative. The alliance intends to successfully increase the destination’s reach in India. Through its extensive network and dynamic team of professionals, Buzz Travel Marketing India will ensure that Oman’s diverse tourist attractions reach every travelling Indian.The organisation’s marketing initiatives for Oman will be positioned to meet the needs and developments that have shaped travel demand in recent years, such as the preference for large spaces, seeking experiences in harmony with nature to rejuvenate in complete safety, and connecting with the locals and the culture. Oman is recognised for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, as well as the art of hospitality and hearty welcome. “Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is happy to re-enter the Indian market and is looking forward to growing business with Buzz, since India is one of our most fruitful markets for Oman. The Vision 2040 of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is to position Oman to be all-year-round top-of-mind destination for culture-lovers, experience seekers, travellers passionate about adventure, and MICE, attracting more than 5 million international tourists annually with a high yield, travelling to the Sultanate to discover extraordinary one-of-a-kind experiences based on the country’s unique features,” says Saada Al Harthi, Director of Business Development, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

     Based on the decisions of the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19, the Civil Aviation Authority has informed all passengers and aircraft operators in the Sultanate of Oman that all precautionary measures and procedures of COVID-19 in civil aviation sector of the Sultanate of Oman are lifted.

Food and hospitality in Oman contribute with their presence to its economic development and also serve as a showcase for the hospitality industry in terms of growth, development and latest trends. The business and networking platform for companies and stakeholders is used by the industry to introduce the newest products and services in the areas of food, beverage, agriculture, fishing, cooking, and processing. Hotel chains across Muscat are famous for revving up dishes that are nothing short of gastronomic delights. The quality of food that you will receive on your holiday in Oman and the Gulf region has improved, especially when you are outside Muscat. One such hotel where guests find themselves in the lap of luxury is the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, which is nestled amongst the rugged mountains. The hotel has a plethora of amenities that make for a comfortable stay for its guests. The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, apt for a family vacation or an adrenaline-pushing romantic adventure, has two wings—Al Waha, “The Oasis,” and Al Bandar, “The Town.” While Al Waha is ideal for families, Al Bandar is the heart of the resort, catering to business and leisure travellers alike. Meetings and conferences take place in the latter. Both hotels boast a gamut of activities ranging from watersports to a kids’ club, a secluded spa, and several dining options. Overlooking 500-metres of coastline, it is difficult to pull oneself away from the AL Bandar. Like its name suggests, it is akin to a town with a mélange of restaurants. After you savour the exquisite Arabian flavours of tender roasted meats at Al Tanoor restaurant, you decide to take home a piece of Oman with the intricately-designed …

Oman has a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy during the colder months, as well as tranquil beaches to cool off on during the scorching-hot summer months. While the Gulf area is commonly associated with skyscrapers and five-star resorts, Oman remains one of the prized Arabian pearls that can reconnect one with the diverse traditions and customs of a civilisation that extends back hundreds of thousands of years. More and more people are flocking to Oman to discover what makes this country so special, including marine life off the southern coast of Dhofar Province, a wealth of rich history to discover in Muscat, mountains and deserts to discover, and a paradise of extravagant festivals to discover. Oman also has a terrific infrastructure that is excellent for visitors and is a safe place to visit solo or in groups. Experience Oman’s diverse heritage Ancient mosques, forts, and tombs tell the narrative of the battles, beliefs, and people who shaped this distinct region of the Middle East. The majority of these architectural marvels are open to the public all year and are among the most spectacular relics of the pre-modern Islamic world. Many breathtaking ancient sites adorn the country’s historic cities. Their roots reflect Oman’s many influences and layers of history, with some going back to the Sassanid Empire, the last Persian Empire kingdom before the emergence of Islam. Five Omani sites have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite the extraordinary developments that have happened in Oman over the years, the country has remained committed to its traditional arts and crafts. A variety of customs, ranging from music and dances that differ by location, are still widely practiced today. …