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From visiting UNESCO-preserved heritage sites
- the twin forts of Al-Jalali and Al Mirani - to viewing birthing turtles on the sandy beaches
of Ras Al Junaiz and giving support to Wadi (dried desert creeks) areas in the Wusta region,
travellers have plenty of reasons to visit Oman.
The Sultanate of Oman's government is one of the most pro-active bodies in the Gulf region in its drive in implementing and promoting
tourism development. The government is active in the preservation of the environment and historical landmarks in enhancing its cultural
heritage and protecting its fragile eco-system from the influx of increasing tourist arrivals.
Eco-tourism is
one way with which the country is differentiating itself culturally and economically from its Middle Eastern
counterparts in ways that preserve the natural environment and surroundings.
The potential for cluster development has been identified in Muscat, Batinah, Sharqiyah, Musandam and Dhofar regions. Envisaged in the
capital region is a tourism corridor extending from Muscat to Al Sifah. The area is designated for a variety of amenities including a cable car,
aquarium, restaurants and conference centre, involving an estimated cost of US$20 million.
Caving
- or spelunking as it is called - is a major money-spinner in countries that have successfully promoted their cave systems. Jabal
Shams, the highest summit in Oman, is also targeted for development as an attraction for adventure tourists. Access to the summit is being
developed, while lodging facilities on the plateau are already in place.
In an effort to open up Oman’s magnificent cave heritage to tourists and international caving buffs, the government is investing in the
development of the Al Hota Cave in Al Hamra Wilayat.
Tourists will soon be able to sit in a train and enter the Al Hota Cave, one of the most majestic caverns in Oman, and a treasure trove of
ancient and splendid rock formations.
The Director General of Tourism Promotion, Salim Bin AdeyAl-Mamari said the funding towards tourism has also undergone changes as the
Government realizes its importance to the economy.
He said, “The initial aim for tourism to Oman would substantiate 3%
of the local GDP by 2015, but shows signs of reaching this goal by as soon as the year’s end.”
Reputed fashion and style magazine
Vogue, named Oman as the destination to visit in 2008 and London’s Sunday Telegraph
picked the Gulf state as one of the ‘Top Dozen Desirable Destinations’. In an article, the newspaper
described Muscat as a ‘gracious and accessible face of Islam’, and predicted that the country would be one of the top global
destinations of 2008. In the article, author Mark Jones observed that the country that
had done most to “give tourism a good name in the Middle East is undoubtedly Oman”.
Oman is at the heart of the
Persian Gulf. At 309,500 square kilometres, it borders the United Arab Emirates (UAE) countries of Dubai and
Abu Dhabi as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen.
Muscat is the capital of Oman and other major cities include Nizwa (the former capital of Oman), Dhofar (the land of frankincense), Salalah (the southern cool spot),
Khasab, Sur and Sohar.
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