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Entranced by Oman
A sun-drenched oasis of stability in a troubled region, Oman is fast becoming a favourite destination with tour operators and visitors alike, says Colin Ellson
L
ocated at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula well away from the strife of northerly neighbours, Oman offers a
glimpse of the region as it used to be. Clients who have enjoyed the glitter of neighbouring Dubai and Abu Dhabi can look forward to an altogether different experience, according to Paul Britchford, Product and Marketing Manager of the Azure Collection. “If you’ve ever wondered what Dubai was
like before its building boom, then head to Oman quickly,” he says. “It is a beautiful country with an emerging luxury travel appeal, helped by some celebrated resort brands such as Six Senses, Shangri-La and Ritz-Carlton.” Jo Payne, Product Manager at KE Adventure
Travel, agrees. “Oman has always been a hidden gem for us,” she says. “It has retained the mysterious allure of a bygone age. It has become a destination for the more discerning traveller… a nation noted for hospitality.” Sharpen your pencil if you wish to tick boxes
for clients’ holiday options. Oman’s topography spirals up from 3,165 km of white-sand beaches, remote islands and desert to the peaks of the multi-hued Hajar mountains. Amid this scenic grandeur, the sultanate’s
culture and traditions stretch back 5,000 years, its more recent history is typifi ed by over 500 forts, castles and UNESCO Heritage Sites. And the wildlife is remarkable, from turtles to fl amingos to dolphins to whales. All of which makes Oman ideal for all types
of holidays for all sorts of visitors, including luxury travellers and families, cruise visitors and those seeking extreme adventure. Catering to the adrenaline rush sector,
opportunities abound in climbing, hiking, caving, watersports, sailing, scuba diving and kite surfi ng. Meanwhile, the more leisurely visitor can see
turtles hatching their eggs on beach reserves at night, watch dolphins and whales cavorting along the coast on sea excursions, explore Oman’s rich history, enjoy bird watching or shop in historic souks and state-of-the-art shopping malls. Added to this, Oman is developing its golfi ng appeal, with 18-hole courses unveiled at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club, Almouj at Oman’s The Wave, and Ghala Valley Golf Club. The introduction of golf is just part of Oman’s
aim to upgrade its infrastructure to reach out to a wider audience, always bearing in mind the preservation of the sultanate’s heritage. This was demonstrated by its sponsorship of
sellingtravel.co.uk
“We recommend Oman for couples seeking luxury with a hint of discovery and adventure, and to families with children in primary school wanting more than just a stunning retreat with a cultural twist”
PAUL BRITCHFORD, PRODUCT & MARKETING MANAGER, AZURE COLLECTION
the World Responsible Tourism Awards at World Travel Market in November, at which a spokesman talked about Oman’s efforts to foster sustainable tourism. This coincides with the recent launch of a new public transport plan and further hotel and airport expansion across the country. All such developments are supported by Oman’s ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who in 2015 celebrates his 45th anniversary. Many events are planned to mark the occasion, including a 4,000 km, 21-day classic car rally, the Oman Grand Tour 2015, in November, which is forecast to further boost tourism.
Above: Alila Hotels’ Jabal Akhdar means ‘the green mountain’ in Arabic and overlooks a dramatic gorge 2,000 metres above sea level.. Pictured is one of its villa pools.
ALILA JABAL AKHDAH
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