"This is very much part of a growing mar- ket trend. We offer ecotourism products on a stand-alone basis as well as part of our round tour itineraries," says NTT's Santhosh Kanakanadth.
"Many of our itineraries feature the famous Turtle Beach nesting area and a chance to view the unique ecosystem of the mangroves." Other popular 'green' options for groups in particular include a stay at the Ras Al-Jinz Scientific & Visitors Centre. Here visitors can see endangered turtle species while they nest on the beach and then bed down for the night at the eco-friendly lodgings. For an inland experience Hud Hud Travels boasts luxury desert camping and new mountain retreat, The View, boasts "eco-luxe" tents with a view.
At the very top-end, Six Senses Hotels & Resorts, which is well on its way to achiev- ing carbon-neutral status, operates its Zighy Bay property in the Musandam Pen- insula. Here, groups can partake in 'Slow Life' experiences, many of which involve the local Omani community.
AUTHENTICITY
Nature and community based experiences are the very foundations of the Sultanate's meeting and incentives proposition, which remains focused on offering authenticity at all times. The most popular options include Bedouin camp feasts, souk shopping, 4WD safaris, trips to cultural and historical sites and team-building exercises in the desert or on the beach.
Unlike many of its competitors, Oman is giving more emphasis to pre and post- meeting tours as well as ensuring that meeting programmes involve a quality tour to outstanding authentic attractions. The focus is to ensure guests leave Oman with a memory of Arabia, not the interior of a meeting room or convention centre." "We think the recipe is working as we see more requests for break-out meetings in historic houses, forts and castles. An international board visited a nearby castle and described the venue there as the 'ultimate board room'. I am pleased our beautiful, restored castles and majlis can be used in this way," said a spokes- person for Oman's Ministry of Tourism.
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WHEN TO BOOK
When is the peak season? October through to March is
considered peak season in Oman as the desti- nation is popular with leisure guests during this period, so expect to be quoted higher rates.
When is the off-peak season? June-August and Ramadan
(currently August) is considered the off-peak period for most parts of Oman, including Muscat when good deals can be negotiated. However, don't forget that during those same months, it's the Khareef Season (rainy season) down south in Salalah where thousands of GCC nationals and their families go to escape the summer heat. April to September is generally less busy across Oman as fewer leisure guests visit the destination due to the hotter weather. Coastal areas of Oman tend to be 10¡C cooler than inland temperatures so do keep in mind properties with beachfront locations that will offer good summer rates.
Early bird incentives
Oman's hoteliers say meeting planners who book their meetings, conferences etc as early as January of every year will be offered 'early bird' specials. Benefits include up to 40% off room rates, free upgrades, flexible complimentary room policy, plus food and beverage credits.
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