Beat the heat through domestic tourism deal in Oman

Muscat: ‘Discover Oman’s Beauty’ exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, director general of Investment Promotion in the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development—Ithraa—at the Muscat City Centre, Seeb on Thursday in the presence of dignitaries from the Ministry.
The three-day exhibition, which will continue until May 21, has over 30 hotels and travel partners showcasing their travel packages and offering attractive deals for domestic tourists this summer.
The promotional packages give you the option to visit the cooler and greener parts of the country, and engage in activities that are perfect to beat the summer heat.
There are packages that suit everyone’s interest and are meant to bring family and friends together. If one is adventurous, there are offers that include a trip up the Hajar Mountains where one can reach up the mouth of the canyon of Wadi Al Mu’aydin and hike into the heart of the deep ravine, past palm groves and turquoise pools and camp on the Saiq Plateau. To experience something off the beaten track, one can follow that looping path that takes one to the tiny village of Ar Russ.
Or one can go up Jabal Al Akhdar and learn about bush craft and navigation, and all the basic survival skills required for a good camping experience, including how to start a fire with flint and steel. You can spend a day indulging in abseiling practice, followed by a 20 metre abseil Jebel.
There are also tours that take one to the cultural capital of Nizwa to explore its famous Souq and Fort, followed by a trip to the village of Tanuf to admire the old ruins or one can choose to walk along the riverbed for a tranquil experience.
Other options, such as a trip to Salalah and places, such as Job’s Tomb, Mughsayl Beach, Sarfayt and Frankincense trees are also attractive. One can even choose to take a four-wheel tour to Bahla, Jibreen Fort, Jabal Shams or go to Wadi Bani Khalid and see how dhows are created at the Sur Dhow Factory.
Boarding a ferry to head to Masirah Island and spending time kite surfing in the beautiful coastline is another option. There are arrangements in place for beginners to learn the basics of kite surfing at the kite camps.
Speaking about the exhibition, Salim Adi Al Mamari, director general for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, said, “We want our citizens and residents to come in big number to the three-day exhibition to participate and avail these packages.” Summers holidays are all about exploring different locations with families and there are many gems within the Sultanate that must be experienced. Domestic tourism is very important to the Ministry and we will continue to make all efforts to promote it among our people.”
As part of the campaign, which will be on until September, the Ministry has partnered with Hala FM as the main media sponsor to host contests and give away exciting prizes, and with Ooredoo as the telecommunications sponsor.
Log on to www.omansummer.com to know more about the campaign or follow the Ministry’s social media channels (Facebook: TourismOman and Twitter: @OmanTourism on the hashtag: #summerinOman)