HOW TO SELL OMAN
OMAN IS... A
BY LINZI BARBER
n undiscovered Middle Eastern treasure and Dubai’s laid back and much less profiled neighbour. However, that should spur
rather than deter visitors as the Sultanate of Oman is a rapidly developing nation where centuries-old ways of living are still the norm outside of the capital. Oman is a country of great diversity
and natural beauty, with over 1700km of coastline flanking the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. For visitors, Oman offers pristine
beaches, dramatic landscapes and an interior just waiting to be explored – from rugged mountains to lush green valleys to fjords – and, of course, the vast desert. Less than eight hours' flying time from
the UK, and with guaranteed year-round sunshine, Oman is ideal for a short break or a longer holiday. Accommodation ranges from Shangri-La’s six-star Barr
TOP S E LLING TI PS Visitors to Oman between January and
June may be lucky enough to spot one of the 30,000 turtles that visit each year to nest on the beach. Recommend a stay at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah resort – the hotel has its very own dedicated turtle ranger who helps guests catch a glimpse of this wonderful spectacle of nature.
www.shangri-la.com
56 September 2010 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Clockwise: The Shangri-La Al Husn hotel's infinity pool; a mountain picnic is a popular afternoon
excursion; pleasure cruise on a modern variation of a traditional Omani dhow
Al Jissah three-hotel resort to atmospheric desert nomad camps. UK flights operate from Heathrow to
the capital, Muscat. Visitors can fly direct with national carrier Oman Air or, via a stop in Abu Dhabi, with British Airways. Other options are through Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, with Emirates, and Doha, with Qatar Airways. UK passport holders can obtain visas on entry to the country. Most visitors will start their stay in
Muscat. City highlights include the stunning architecture and lavish decoration of Sultan Qaboos’ Grand Mosque; the Amouge factory (traditional Omani perfume); the Corniche, with its fish market and views over the gulf; and, of course, excellent shopping. Forget designer malls, for true Gulf-
style shopping with ambience recommend the traditional bustling souk at Muttrah, with its heady smell of frankincense and jasmine. The main entrance is off the Corniche and this fascinating souk still provides many local families with their daily needs while offering tourists great souvenirs such as Omani silver jewellery, daggers, perfume oil and incense. Any visitor staying more than a couple
of nights should make time for an overnight trip to Wahiba Sands. Around a three-hour drive from Muscat, this vast desert area, with dunes rising up to 200 metres (that's as far as the eye can see),
is home to traditional Bedouin tribes and offers the chance for an overnight camp (
www.nomadicdesertcamp.com) and some dune bashing. Be warned, dune bashing is not for the faint-hearted. The tyres are let down to increase the traction of the 4x4 in the sand – and then you are in the hands of the driver as you are treated to a white-knuckle ride over the dunes. A day trip into the awesome Hajar Mountains is a must for adrenaline junkies who can try trekking, hiking, rock climbing and abseiling into the second largest cave chamber in the world. For spectator sports, January-April is
the racing season, with frequent races for both horses and camels held across the country. Muscat is a great sell as a twin-centre
with Salalah, Oman’s second largest city. Oman Air operates regular flights between the two. Locals and visitors from around the
Gulf flock to Salalah, with its tropical climate, to escape the harsh heat and enjoy the monsoon season from June to September. Known as the perfume capital of Arabia, thanks to the abundance of Frankincense trees, Salalah is a haven for scuba divers and bird watchers and also home to leopard and hyena. Each July the Salalah Tourism Festival
rolls into town with a host of cultural and traditional shows to entertain the whole
family. Visit
www.salalahfestival.com It is worth reminding clients that Oman is a strict Muslim country. Whilst most of the major hotels have private beaches where traditional western beach clothing is acceptable, public beaches require women to dress conservatively and when visiting The Grand Mosque, arms, legs and hair must be covered. For more information including public holidays and a full event and festival calendar, visit
www.omantourism.gov. om, contact 020 8877 4524 or e-mail
oman@representationplus.co.uk
WHE R E TO BOOK IT EMIRATES TOURS
0844 800 1400
www.emiratestours.co.uk Seven nights for the price of five is on offer at the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental. The hotel is set against a mountain backdrop with 200 acres of lush gardens and private beach. A garden view room, with B&B, flights and transfers is priced from £1569pp, valid for stays from October 1 to November 15 2010.
PREMIER HOLIDAYS 08444 937 444
www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk Four nights at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa start at £699pp, including flights with Oman Air.
SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY
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