FEATURE OMAN
“Oman is attracting visitors looking for an unspoilt country with warm weather, good beaches and adventure activities”
Tourism Talk PAULINE DOUGHERTY
Travel Counsellor (Guest of the Oman Ministry of Tourism at its
London road show on May 28.) “I was intrigued to find out that Oman is right next to Dubai and amazed by its diversity. I feel the destination is more suited to those who want a 'real' feel to the Gulf while not forgoing the luxury element, as the hotels were still of a great standard. Maybe Dubai would better suit those looking for the glitzy side, whereas Oman is a richer experience. It is geographically prettier and more interesting, with more rugged natural landscapes, ancient forts, and a historic city environment in Muscat.”
From The Front Line MALCOLM DAVIES
Middle East Product Manager, Funway Holidays “We're mainly selling
stays in the capital, Muscat, with clients taking excursions in the surroundings. What makes Oman different is the culture and friendliness of its people, all of whom seem to speak good English. It's the perfect destination for an authentic experience of the Middle East. “As for new products, we did
24 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
introduce the new Millennium Mussanah Resort this year, just up the coast from Muscat. We have combined a stay at this hotel with our Land of Frankincense Tour. Convenient non-stop flights are included with Oman Air, widely praised for its service.”
CAROLINA SVENSSON Product & Purchasing Manager, Middle East, Travel 2
“There has been a big increase in Oman stop-over packages on the back of Oman Air's expanded routes. Muscat makes a great place for a stop-over. “What makes the destination unique
is the combination of desert, mountain and the sea (with a 1700km coastline). Oman is known as True Arabia; a very liberal country with rich culture, scenery and friendly locals. “We have kept the same tour as last
year at it showcases some of the best of Oman. The three-day Oman Escape includes a night in the desert and the opportunity to swim in Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most beautiful wadis in the mountains of Oman.”
TREVOR BONES Southern Cross Travel “Our main types of customer for Oman are
those looking for an adventure/desert experience in a new destination. We recently sent details of the Explore tours in Oman to one of our regular clients, which involved 4WD trekking and sleeping out under the stars. We can also promote Oman to our clients who travel to Dubai and want to add an active, nature-based holiday onto their luxury break.”
Where To Book It FUNWAY HOLIDAYS – 0844 557 3131
www.funway4agents.co.uk Three nights at the four-star Millennium Resort Mussanah, with seven nights on the Heritage of Oman and Land of Frankincense tour, including return flights with Oman Air from Heathrow, start from £2129pp (including a 15% room discount), departing on September 15.
TRAVEL 2 – 0800 0224 182
www.travel2.com Five nights at the Al Waha at Shangri- La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, with a superior pool view and on a B&B basis, start from £979pp, for departures September 1 to October 10 2012. Or five nights B&B at the five-star Al Bustan Palace (deluxe mountain view) start from £1019pp, from August 11 to September 30. Both with return flights from London and private transfers.
JEWEL-ENCRUSTED BY RICHARD WILLIAMS
“Having experienced the mayhem of Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili bazaar I was unprepared for my visit to the Muttrah souq in Muscat’s harbour area. No one pestered me to buy anything, no groups of small children followed my every step, and no one asked me which football team I supported. “The market stalls were similar, piled high with pashminas, stuffed camels, jewelled daggers, spices and pottery. However, the stallholders seemed much more dignified than in Egypt, and less interested in the hard sell. “Smiling shyly, one consented to show me his wares. I finally came away with a multi-coloured, jewel-encrusted shoulder bag for my daughter. I was so charmed by the whole painless experience that I almost forgot to haggle over the price.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68