Tag Archives: Oman

TheKhareef Dhofar season kicked off on Wednesday 21st June, and will continue till 21st September 2023. Khareef season is considered as one of the most important tourism seasons in the Sultanate of Oman, which, owing to exceptional weather gives the governorate of Dhofar a unique atmosphere. This uniqueness, along with multiple tourism elements, has created a diversity in the tourism products in all the cities of the Governorate of Dhofar. The preparation for Khareef season comes within the framework of the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to enhance the tourism season and maximize their utilization to achieve the highest gains, in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Many tourism projects will also be inaugurated during this season.   The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts to enhance the tourism reputation of the Governorate of Dhofar as one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in the region, maximizing the richness of its tourism products to form unique and diverse experiences for visitors and tourists. The destination offers comprehensive tourism services that meet the requirements of all groups of visitors, including the availability of well-established accommodation services with 50 licensed hotel facilities boasting over 6000 rooms. The integration of the government efforts, the private sector, and the tourism sector partners in the Governorate of Dhofar, are working as a team to meet the needs of the visitors. Marwan bin Abdulhakim Al-Ghassani, Director of Promotion at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in the Governorate of Dhofar, said, “The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has set a plan to promote the Khareef Dhofar season and developed a marketing strategy for all its …

Due to its enormous natural diversity, the Sultanate of Oman is considered as an attractive tourism destination throughout the year. In contrast, there are many cool places to visit in the Sultanate in the summer. Oman with its location near to the Arabian Sea boasts a spectacular green landscape. The summer in Oman is likely to witness a rise in travellers. These destinations include the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, including Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams, and Governorates of Dhofar, Ash Sharqiyah South, and Al Wusta. Raia bint Salem Al Maskeriyah, Assistant Director, Tourism Promotion and Marketing, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The summer tourism destinations are receiving attention from the ministry by promoting investments to encourage tourists’ to stay here for as long as possible.” There are many activities visitors can do during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities.   In Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the temperature is 15°C cooler, compared to all major cities in Gulf as it is situated 2,000 meters above sea level. AlilaJabal Al Akhdar Resort officials stated, “It is the perfect destination to beat the heat and we aim not to deprive guests from the ‘Summer Fun’. The peaks of Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah beaches and the well-equipped tourist facilities welcome the summer with expectations of an increase in the number of travellers. The upcoming Khareef season and related events in Dhofar will bring more tourists to the governorate. There are many places to go to in Dhofar. Tourists can visit the shops …

Whenever we think about the Middle East, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is desert. But the Middle East is more than just deserts, for the ignorant. If you are wanting to plan an experiential journey for your next trip, you should surely go to Sultanate of Oman, an ideal holiday destination, that has many things to offer to travellers, deserts, mountains, beaches, forts, souqs, the list is endless. Here are the top experiential things: Wahiba Sands Desert camping: Experience the thrill of spending a night in the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands desert, where you can witness stunning sunsets, go dune bashing, and immerse yourself in the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Wadi Bani Khalid Adventure: Discover the beauty of Oman’s wadis, with Wadi Bani Khalid being a standout choice. Trek through the rugged terrain, swim in crystal-clear pools, and marvel at the lush oasis surrounded by towering cliffs. Muscat Souq exploration: Get lost in the bustling markets of Muscat, such as Mutrah Souq, where one can browse through a wide array of traditional handicrafts, exquisite jewellery, aromatic spices, and vibrant textiles. Hiking in Jebel Shams: Embark on an exhilarating hike in Jebel Shams or Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, known as the ‘Mountain of the Sun’ in Arabic. Explore the scenic trails, witness breathtaking vistas, and visit the dramatic Grand Canyon of Oman. Dolphin watching in Musandam: Cruise along the picturesque coastline of Musandam and witness playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat. This captivating experience allows you to witness the beauty of the Arabian Sea and its marine life. Fort exploration: Discover Oman’s rich history by exploring its ancient forts, such as Nizwa Fort, Jabreen Castle, and …

Represented by The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Sultanate of Oman celebrated the International Museum Day on 18 May 2023. This year, the celebration commenced under the theme ‘Museums, Sustainability and Well-being’. The International Council of Museums announced the theme to highlight the potential of museums across the world. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is striving to activate the role of museums in promoting knowledge and sciences among researchers and visitors that contribute to achieve many of the strategic programs of the Tenth Development Plan and the Oman Vision 2040. She said, “This year, it has been decided to focus on the following goals. The first goal is to strengthen the global health and well-being, ensure a healthy life and promote well-being for people of all ages. The second goal is to take steps to combat climate change and its affects and adopt low-carbon practices in the northern region countries and adopt mitigation strategies in the southern region countries.  The third goal is to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and raise the voices of indigenous leaders and biodiversity loss.” Riya bint Mohammed Al Kindi, Director General, Museums, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, “The celebration of this day was approved by the International Council of Museums in 1977 for strengthening awareness that museums are important institutions for cultural exchange, enriching cultures, and developing mutual understanding.” She said, “The museums, which are attracting several visitors, preserve cultural heritage, ensure its sustainability in creating direct and indirect job opportunities, promote local content, and dedicate its role as one of the tourist destinations. According to the official statistics issued in 2021, 115,255 thousand visitors visited the government …

We are thrilled to announce that the number of Indian arrivals to Oman in January 2023 has crossed 40,000, marking the highest ever in the past 15 years. This record is a testament to the growing popularity of Oman as a tourist destination among Indians. The surge in Indian arrivals to Oman can be attributed to a variety of factors, including its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and world-class infrastructure. Oman has been investing heavily in promoting tourism and has been attracting visitors from all over the world. Oman Tourism has undertaken a plethora of activities to promote tourism, such as conducting five-city roadshows and a four-city sales mission in India and collaborating with trade partners to jointly promote tourism and advertising through various media channels. The increase in Indian visitors to Oman is an indication of the growing preference for the Sultanate as a travel destination among Indians. To enhance its presence in the Indian market, Oman Tourism will sustain and expand its promotional efforts. This year, the tourism board will continue promoting Oman to B2B and B2C partners through joint cooperations, sales missions, FAM trips, and roadshows. Recently, Oman Tourism organized a sales mission in key markets such as Kochi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, which was graced by the delegation of MHT Muscat. The sales mission was a remarkable success, with 70 key outbound trade meetings conducted within a span of six days. “The remarkable growth in the number of Indian tourists visiting Oman in January is truly delightful. With the current positive trend, we are optimistic that Oman will become a preferred travel destination for Indian travellers,” said Arjun Chadha, Country Manager, Oman Tourism India office. Oman’s diverse …

As part of an interactive and informative sessions, Oman Tourism recently completed its three city sales missions with more than 20-25 prominent outbound trade partners each from Cochin, Hyderabad, and Kolkata in India. The sales missions were held on 21, 22 and 24 March 2023. The objective was to create awareness about the Sultanate of Oman in the trade and motivate them to sell the Sultanate of Oman as a leisure destination to their clients. The sales missions were graced by two delegates from the Muscat head office—Mr. Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Business Development and Mr. Mubarak Salim Al Harrasi, Head, Section of Arab and Asia markets. The sales missions were also attended by the members of Oman Air, whose participation was the focus of the three events. Two persons from each of the Indian cities were presented Oman Air tickets for answering a simple quiz post presentation. The event started at around 11.00 hours with a presentation by Oman Air and Oman Tourism, which was followed by a networking lunch. After learning about the exquisite culture, heritage, and adventure on offer in Oman, the trade partners were extremely eager to promote the picturesque destination to their clients. The response from the tourism industry was extremely positive. The team was thrilled with the excellent feedback from the three markets and is anticipating an increase in visitors from these cities to Oman. Earlier on 20 March, meetings were conducted in Cochin with five trade partners in their offices about the need to promote the Sultanate as a picturesque destination with their customers. On 25 March in Kolkata, a sit-down lunch was organized at a hotel with five trade partners …

A large delegation from Oman, headed by His Excellency Salim Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, participated at the ITB Berlin 2023 in the German capital from 7–9 March 2023. A total of 38 exhibitors from local tour operators to tourism projects to hotels and Oman’s national carrier represented the Sultanate at ITB Berlin, meeting key industry partners from all over the world at the 378 square meters-Oman stand in hall 2.2b. “The show is a potent platform for showcasing a variety of offerings that Oman can provide in the growing tourism industry,” said His Excellency Salim Al Mahrouqi. The ITB Berlin 2023 saw a total of 5,500 exhibitors from 161 countries and more than 90,000 participants, confirming the strong demand for tourism around the globe. The Sultanate of Oman offers 5,000 years of history and rich culture, allowing guests to have trulyauthentic experiences and deep insights into the way of life of the Omanis. The country boasts diverse nature and landscapes with sceneries that will leave travellers speechless. From outdoor trips to secluded mountain areas to a family holiday on the beach to a city trip to the capital Muscat—the destination allows for varied experiences and activities and is suitable for a variety of holiday types. Oman’s strong image as a destination ‘sprung from the tales of 1001 Nights’ gives it a magical touch, while at the same time being a safe destination.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on the 8th of March to acknowledge women’s contributions and achievements globally. Oman, a country in the Middle East, has made great strides in empowering women in various sectors, including tourism. The country celebrates this day to highlight the achievements of women in tourism and recognize their contributions to the sector’s growth and development. Over the years, Oman has invested heavily in promoting tourism, which has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The sector has grown significantly, with the number of visitors increasing every year. Women have played a crucial role in the Oman’s tourism sector, working in various capacities, such as tour guides, hotel staff, travel agents, and airline personnel. These women have shown their dedication and commitment to their work, providing quality services to tourists and promoting Oman as a safe and hospitable tourist destination. To celebrate the achievements of women in tourism, Oman organizes various events on International Women’s Day. These events aim to showcase the contribution of women in the tourism sector and inspire other women to join the industry. The events also provide an opportunity for women in tourism to network and share their experiences, challenges, and success stories. One such event is the Women in Tourism Forum, which brings together women from various sectors of the tourism industry. The forum provides a platform for women to discuss issues affecting their work and share their experiences. The forum also allows women to learn from each other and acquire new skills that can help them advance in their careers. Oman’s commitment to promoting women in the tourism industry has had a positive impact on the country’s tourism …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, The Sultanate of Oman organized its first MICE FAM trip for the year for important MICE trade partners from all over India. The participants included representatives from travel agencies in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, and Hyderabad. Several places in and around Muscat, including Wahiba Sands and Jebel Akhdar, were visited by a delegation of six key MICE partners. The objective of the trip was to showcase the top attractions and the hotel properties to the MICE agents, and therefore, the agenda was to do multiple inspections of hotels and the sites suitable for the Indian MICE movement. The site inspections were done in the top properties, including Al Falaj Hotel, Al Bustan Palace, Sheraton, Jumeirah Muscat Bay, W Muscat, Kempinski, Hotel Sur Plaza, DusitD2, Alila, Anantara and many more. The diversity of options for MICE in Oman which included the beaches, mountains, wadis, desert among others were discussed during the visit. The team was very happy to visit various sites of Omanؙ—Dolphin watching tour, Museums, Nizwa Fort, the famous souqs and a visit to the Mall of Oman. The trade partners were impressed with the options available in Oman for the MICE groups with a combination of luxury and budgeted properties. The agents found Oman to be a delightful place as they enjoyed the Sultanate’s hospitality, landscape, and culture. The trade partners were thrilled to see the culinary options available and its similarity with the Indian cuisine. A big thank you to our DMC partner Zahara Tours for flawlessly planning everything and hosting at the magnificent Arabian Nights Resort & Spa! On 4 February 2023, the FAM trip came to an end, leaving the guests …

The Sultanate of Oman abounds with various underwater/submerged cultural heritage, which is witness to its role as an axis of the human civilizations since the early prehistoric periods. Since several ships, coastal human settlements and aircrafts containing collectibles with cultural and economic significance sunk in the Omani territorial waters, it prompted the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to establish a directorate for the underwater antiquities, the first unit of its kind in the GCC region. Ayyoub Nagmoush Al-Busaidi, Director, Directorate of the Underwater Submerged Antiquities, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), said, “The underwater archaeological sites and ships are a source of precious historical information as they contain antiquities of human existence. The archaeology aims to analyze the antiquities, identify the origins and the development of civilizations.” “Underwater archaeology is a scientific discipline that deals with the studying sites, man-made objects, human remains, and submerged landscapes. This science should be placed within its broader framework of marine archaeology, which studies human relationships with oceans, lakes, and rivers, while complementing it with navigation,” he added. In 2012, the MHT has launched a program aiming to identify the resources and components of these antiquities, enumerating them, and determining their nature, and protecting them from illegal trade/natural factors, he added. The department is now working on formulating rules for protection, management, employment, conducting surveys, excavations, restoration, preserving, documenting archaeological sites, analyzing the results, and presenting them to the local and international community. It may be noted that Oman’s maritime history dated back to the 3 BC, when commercial activity flourished in Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley. After Omanis gained good expertise in navigation in the 18th century, Muscat emerged as one of …