Times of Oman - 18 October, 2011

Author: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali

It was a significant decision the Arab tourism ministers took in their 14th meeting at Aqaba in Jordan. The meeting, in the presence of Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, minister of tourism, decided that Muscat would be the Arab Tourism Capital in 2012.

The decision was extremely apposite and certifies the Sultanate’s meteoric all round progress, not just in tourism.

Oman’s developments have been a collective effort of both the private and public sectors. They both have worked in tandem also in the preservation of the country’s heritage, in close coordination with the different ministries and departments of the government. The cumulative result has been magical.

Boost

Oman’s aspirations to become one of the world’s top tourism destinations and a hub for holiday makers from across the world received a perceptible boost when the Lonely Planet published its pick for 2009. The Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 guide has put the Sultanate of Oman among the top 10 exotic tourism destinations among at least 850 hottest holiday spots in the world.

The Sultanate of Oman attracts eco-tourists with its lush wadis, diverse markets, and rich culture.

Unlike its better-known neighbour, it is relatively undiscovered, with a wonderful climate during our winter, glorious mountains, spectacular deserts, medieval cities and a thousand-odd miles of

seaside, was how writers described Oman.

London’s Sunday Telegraph had predicted that the country would be one of the top global destinations. Author Mark Jones observed that the country, which had done most to “give tourism a good name in the Middle East, is undoubtedly Oman”.

The factors of peace and stability have contributed perceptibly in the development of Oman’s tourism sector. Oman has defied all definitions. It is an extraordinary country presenting a picture of a magnetic nation with numerous landscapes, culture, heritage, hospitality and warmth which leave lasting impressions on tourists from the Gulf, Arabia, Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of the globe.

It is one country where the best of Arab and Omani culture and heritage of generations have converged.

Tourists visit and revisit Oman attracted by the warmth of the land and the people. It is a country whose rugged hills, pristine beaches, breathtaking sand dunes and majestic mountains offer fascinating vignettes to the tourists.

One visit to Oman is not enough. This exactly is the feeling tourists carry home with them. And that is why we often see many of them coming back. Oman, many have conceded, offers them incredible experience — a munificence that travellers look forward to feel at home away from home. In here they find mesmerising moments, coalescing culture, ancient traditions in perfect symphony with modernism, matchless museums, and lip-smacking cuisines.

Tourism has been a priority sector for the government in Oman. And with care this sector has been developed under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The year 1994 was set as the national year for tourism. The Almighty has been benevolent and generous in blessing Oman with abundance of natural beauty and attractions. The government has been wise in harnessing the Sultanate’s natural beauties with modern and scientific facilities. Together they have provided dramatic fillip to tourism.

Oman’s heritage is of international repute and has drawn global attention through ages. A number of them have been registered on different international heritage lists. The Unesco has listed Oman’s Falaj system as a unique heritage on its world heritage list. Over 500 forts, which are spread across the country, are other examples of Oman’s extraordinary heritage.

Several historic mosques, walls and religious shrines, including the tombs of Prophet Hud and Job, are the other heritage sites attracting visitors and tourists from across the world throughout the year.

Timeless sentinels

Through ages they have defined Oman — given its culture and civilisation — a distinction in the milieu and have bestowed an unparalleled legacy. Most of these still inspire awe and stir the senses of visitors. They are the timeless sentinels of the Sultanate’s culture, spiritualism and serve as the link that connects its glorious past with the vibrant present and a buoyant future.

The museums in Oman are second to none and illustrate the Sultanate’s glorious history and the role it played in human civilisation.

There are 12 museums in the Sultanate , including two new ones (the Frankincense Land Museum and the Traditional Weapons Museum). The 10 old museums are the Omani Museum, The National Museum, the Natural History Museum, SAF Museum, The Child Museum, Sohar Fort Museum, Salalah Museum, The Omani — French Museum, Nakhal Fort Museum and Bait Al Zubair Museum.

Tourism has been flourishing in Oman over the past few years. Selecting Muscat as the Arab Tourism Capital in 2012 will further boost an already burgeoning industry. With all the factors required for tourism to thrive in its favour and with an upsurge in its cultural zeitgeist, Oman is certain to become the epicentre of tourism and holiday making in the whole of GCC, Middle East and the Arab world soon.

Source: http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?m=opinions&id=577331&lim=&lang=en&tblpost=2011_10