Monday 18 / November / 2024
MUSCAT: The excitement is palpable as Oman gears up for the upcoming National Day holidays from Wednesday. Staycation bookings are on the rise, with residents and citizens eagerly anticipating the leisurely break from Wednesday, November 22, to Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Hotels and resorts across the Sultanate have reported a significant rise in bookings and are enthusiastically preparing to welcome guests.
For those yet to plan their getaway, seizing the deals and offers by tomorrow is advised, as rooms are being swiftly booked, according to prominent travel agents and hoteliers.
In conversations with Times of Oman, leading travel agents revealed that “a majority of citizens and residents have already secured their plans for a mini-vacation set between Wednesday, November 22, and Saturday, November 25, 2023.”
Arup Singh Deo, Director of Operations and Projects at Al Nahda Hotels & Resorts, which manages Al Nahda Resort & Spa
Dunes and Al Nahda Sahab Resort & Spa, said, “Long weekends in Oman always invigorate domestic tourism. Most of our rooms are already reserved for the upcoming National Day holidays.Highlighting the advantages of staycations, he noted, “Staycations offer the allure of a ‘luxury for less’ holiday. With no expenses on flights and visas, staycation budgets are considerably lower compared to international travel. Moreover, it allows individuals to explore the abundant local tourist attractions in Oman.”
Amidst rising travel costs and hurdles in obtaining visas for European countries, Omani citizens and residents are opting to explore local destinations for their staycations. This emerging trend has been duly noted by travel industry professionals in Oman.
One of the highly sought-after destinations is Al Jabal Al Akhdar, where hotels in the popular city of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate are witnessing a healthy influx of visitors.
Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of Naseem dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, commented, “We are experiencing a bustling weekend, and the National Day holidays have undeniably spurred a surge in bookings starting from Wednesday at our property. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure our guests enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling break amidst the stunning backdrop of Al Hajar Mountains.”
Seema Pankaj, a long-time resident in Oman, eagerly anticipates spending a couple of days in the mountain city and has chosen Naseem dusitD2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar. “The Adventure Park at the hotel is exceptional, catering to both children and adults. I look forward to relishing the cool mountain climate and trying out some of the activities at the Adventure Park.”
“Additionally, the Himam Trail Run Race will take place from Thursday, and the Al Hajar Ultra 110km kicks off on November 23 from Al Hamra. My friends and I are planning to watch the race on our return from Al Jabal Al Akhdar.”
