The Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Tourism will now work towards implementing His Majesty’s directive in coordination with the people concerned.

The ministries will develop the master plan and detailed designs for the port and its associated services and utilities in coordination with respective public and private departments, the statement said. They will also prepare the construction and implementation documents for the port projects, which will be dedicated fully for tourism.

There will be coordination with the respective departments about the mechanism of transferring all commercial import, export, general cargo and container activities to Sohar Industrial Port to ensure non-conflict with the existing concession agreement for the management and operation of Port Sultan Qaboos, the statement said.

A study will be conducted on converting the Port Sultan Qaboos to a tourist port.

The decision was welcomed by people associated with the tourism sector, shipping industry and the public.

“I am glad to know that Muscat will now have an exclusive port for cruise and tourist ships. Muttrah and surrounding areas such as the Bait Al Baranda Museum, which is situated after the port roundabout, is visited by a number of tourists. Tourism will definitely get a boost with PSQ being converted for tourism purposes,” Moosa Al Lawati, a TV presenter told Oman Tribune.

The development of the ports sector will enhance Oman Vision 2020, which aims at diversifying the sources of national economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues.

“PSQ has been the main gateway to Muscat for cargo ships and passenger cruise business as well.

The cruise terminal building, which has been opened with duty free caters to the requirements of tourists arriving in Oman by sea. With Oman focusing on tourism development, the order to shift cargo operations to the industrial port of Sohar is a welcome step,” an official associated with the shipping industry said.

The decision comes as part of the government efforts to diversify the port sector activities to attract international tourists highlighting the Sultanate’s traditions and civilisational aspects.

Source: omantribune.com/etn

Aida Cara calls Port Sultan Qaboos / Image via pscoman.com

MUSCAT, Oman – For Franz Terzer, an Austrian biker, zooming into uncharted territories is a child’s play. Covering 9,000 kms on a Honda motorcycle all alone over a six-week period in Oman, Franz still looks fresh. The intrepid started from his native place called Pottenstein in lower Austria, and in the first two weeks covered Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, and Greece before entering Turkey. From Turkey, Franz entered Iran, UAE, and finally Oman.

Showering praises on the latter part of his bike journey, Franz said: “It was really a different experience in itself, as the culture and religion make this region unique. I had a first-hand experience at the universal fact that Arabs are famous for gracious hospitality. Going around on a motorcycle, I learn about cultures and try to meet lots of people who welcome me with a smile.”

Bowled over by the mystique of Iran he added: “Places in Iran are amazing. Isfahan boasts some of the finest monuments and structures. Shiraz is another culturally-lovely place. These pretty cities transport you to past {a} era.”

Sharing some experiences Franz noted: “Iranians are not only hospitable, they reach out to you, in spite of the language barriers. Seeing me driving in the heavy rains, one restaurant owner offered me a place to stay. This is in sharp contrast to what people in the West would do, as they think [an] individual’s problems have to be taken of by themselves.”

He had to get into a boat to reach Sharjah from Bander Abbas in Iran. Franz entered Musandum in Oman and drove back to the UAE again and then entered Oman. He says that he was amazed at the mountainous topography of Oman and driving though the terrain is a delightful and adventurous experience. He said that he had a wonderful time traversing through Wadi Bani Awf. Franz said: “Whooshing down a steep slope on a 600cc motorbike is one of the great thrills. Once my motorbike tripped, but fortunately [I] did not sustain major injuries, but a few bruises on my arm.”

While on top a mountain in Oman, he was struggling to find a place to sleep, as Franz does not ride at night. He remembered: “Some Bangladeshi families were kind enough to take me to their shanty and offered me a place to stay and food to eat. Amazing people in this part of the world, as such kind of instances [are] rare in the West.”

Franz rode about 650 kms at a stretch and slept during the nightly hours. He has already taken many such tours before, like the one he last rode to Morocco.

His original plan was to ride back through the same route, but now with the baking heat rising every day, he has dropped the idea on friends’ advice and will fly to Austria in a day or two.

Oman is replete with nature’s unique geological features. Here, you can find nature as a great artist. The country offers a unique experience with geological wonders, which are natural works of art. Taking advantage of these amazing natural sculptures, the government of Oman is toying with an idea of making these wonderful sites a place for tourists where they can marvel at the geology of Oman. Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. The rock formations here, eerily taking weird shapes, have a history hidden beneath their surface. Oman is a land with a history that can be traced back more than 800 million years.

Oman already has a small yet fascinating geotourism niche industry that caters mainly to special interest groups. Now, a Task Force from various government ministries, SQU, and the Geological Society of Oman are working on a plan to set up geoparks in Oman. Over the past 800 million years, nature has shaped plenty of natural wonders in Oman. Crystalline rocks, the high peaks, geodes, sedimentary rocks, fossils, enchanted gorges, adventurous caves, and grave yards all amaze the tourists.

According to sources, the geotourism plan includes taking limited numbers of tourists around to the areas where geological features can be seen, as well as publishing material that highlights the natural landforms and geological heritage.

Geotourism is fast catching on in many countries. Said Dr. Mahmood Al Mahrooqi, president of the Geological Society of Oman: “The geology of Oman is unique. Nowadays the rocks in Oman show a fascinating beauty, because they were formed over many millions of years, when the Sultanate was covered by the sea, salt lakes, scraped by glaciers, crushed by moving continents, and carved by rivers and winds.”

He added: “People are interested in rocks. We regularly conduct field trips for people to see the geology of Oman. Even people from abroad come to see the geological heritage of Oman, which is exposed on [the] surface, unlike in other countries where usually it is found underneath.”

Geotourism describes the resources, activities, and management of visitor activity centered on rock exposures, landforms, and fossils in a wide variety of natural landscapes.

People will be able to know how Oman geolocially evolved throughout time. Be it the outcrops of crystalline rocks at Jabal Qahwan, north of Bilad Bani Bu Ali; the brown crystalline rocks of the samail ophiolites; huge piles of pillow lava in wadi Al-Jizzi; Stone Park at Duqm featuring naturally sculptured sandstone and limestone; or the beautiful layering of sedimentary beds at Jabal Samhan in Dhofar; the stories of Oman’s geological history is narrated by its natural structures. Artistic sculptures can be found in central Oman or one can feast on a fantasy world of rock formations. Some of the interesting ones include a pillar of sandstone in the Ramal Al Sharqyia sands, the totemic images sculpted at Fuhud, hand-shaped rock at Ad Duqm, mushroom-shaped rock at Ad Duqm, and a flying saucer at the Ramlat Al Sharqyia coast.

The responsible use of these geological sources to promote economic diversity and benefit to local communities is a key current and long-term strategy.

Mahmood Mahrooqi added: “Geotourism has a strong educative component in which geoscientific knowledge is communicated to the public. It fosters a connection with the Earth so that people begin to feel part of the Earth’s abiotic landscape, in much the same way as they are attracted to its biotic components. It seeks to conserve significant geological features and explore and demonstrate methods for excellence in conservation. And there is no better place than Oman to learn [about] and love geology.”

For tourists, all the elements of geographical character must act in harmony to deliver an experience richer than the sum of its parts.

Demand for adventure sports tourism is on the rise in Oman. Thanks to the mountain biking group for taking the initiative in promoting the adventure sport, it is catching the fancy of tourists willing to feel the rush of adrenaline.

According to Robert Tunbridge, a commissioning engineer at the Petroleum Development Oman: “The Annual MTB Race 2010 will be held in Muscat on March 11. The starting point will be near the eagle roundabout on Quriyat-Amerat carriageway, and the race will be begin at 3:00 pm with the commencement of registration an hour before the race. The race will cover approximately 15-20km (3-4 loops). So far, 25 mountain-bike enthusiasts have registered for the race.”

Robert added: “The race track will be marked by arrows ‘painted’ by flour powder and red plastic ‘flags’ hanging on the bushes. The track will be slightly technical but not difficult. During the ‘intro,’ loop participants will get a chance to familiarize themselves with the track. To ensure safety, it is necessary to put on helmets.”

Robert, who has pedalled his way from the foothills of Jebel Shams to the top, said, “Before the event, the circuit will be inspected and obstacles like stones, bushes, etc. will be removed.”

Supported by PDO, Oman Cycles shop, and Red Bull, the MTB race, the only mountain bike race to be held in Oman, attracts enthusiastic crowds to cheer the participants. The sport combines the thrills of mountain biking with the rugged beauty of the mountainside and villages.

The event is more a test of physical endurance and mental determination, where the amateur and professional riders will use their skills to emerge the winner.

The rapidly-growing outdoor recreational activity, mountain biking in Oman, had a very humble beginning in the early nineties when an MTB group was started by a group of enthusiasts.

The group now meets every Thursday afternoon and has some all-day rides during the year besides the annual MTB race. Said Marcel Khomic, another active mountain bike rider who helps Robert in organizing the mountain bike group: “The weekly MTB Ride routes that we use number around 15 different trails, which can vary in distance between 15 and 42 km, depending on the area and terrain, which varies from graded tracks, single tracks, goat tracks, and in some cases, prepared specific tracks to link MTB trails. We take in climbs, downhill, rocky and gravel terrain, easy flat areas, and sometimes technical rides. On some routes a short walk may be involved to link trails. The number of participants on the weekly MTB Rides can vary from 5 to 15 riders, although we have over 100 names on the MTB Distribution List. Most of the areas we ride in have been long-established trails that were/are used by local villagers, while some of these trails/areas were used by off-road motorbikes and rally cars in the past.

“The weekly MTB Ride start points are normally around [a] 20- to 45-minute drive away from the capital area, yet these areas are very scenic and challenging at the same time.”

Areas like Al Amerat, Al Hadja, Al Nahda, Al Ansab, Hammam, Jiffnain, SQU area, Al Khoud, Mabella, Ghala, Bausher, Nahfa, Sa’al, Jiffnain etc., and a little further away, Yiti, Al Hillo, Arqi, Quriyat are some popular mountain bike trails. Said Marcel, “Our all-day MTB rides with support cars have included Nakhl to Rustaq via wadi Abyad, Wadi Bani Awf/Wadi Sattan loop, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, Rustaq to Ibri, (pre-tarmac) Quriyat to Sur to Quriyat (pre-tarmac) return over two days and many others.”

The annual MTB Race has been held in several locations over the years and has been on a prepared, marked-out route with an average lap of 5 to 10 km, with the race having one sighting lap and 3 or 4 race laps. The event usually attracts around 20 to 30 riders supported by family, friends, and sponsors.
Robert is optimistic that mountain biking in Oman has good potential, as the terrain is ideally suited for the sport.

He added, “The government support is yet to come, and meetings with the officials of the Ministry of Tourism are yet to bring in any results. But we hope one day they will realize the importance of mountain biking in Oman.”
Though the MTB group has certain areas for their regular biking, they keep on exploring new trails.

Said Robert: “Some areas are linked to walkways, but, the activity is very engrossing and adventurous. We interact with villagers who offer us kahwa and dates.”

Now, with the availability of mountain bikes in Oman, the sport is also generating lots of interest among locals, though the majority of the mountain bikers are Europeans. It will take some more years before Oman is put on the mountain bike-racing map of the world.

For details, contact Robert on 00-968-99654342 or visit http://www.muscatcyclingclub.com

Oman is the prime tourist destination of the Gulf, and Oman luxury holidays are becoming increasingly popular. With warm weather, sparkling ocean waters and luxury accommodation, an Oman holiday is sure to be a good one. There are a number of reasons why Oman’s tourism industry is destined to do better than its neighbours.

Expansion of the Tourism Industry

Up until 1970, Oman was a region that was closed to the outside world, and Oman holidays were by no means at the forefront of tourists’ minds. But tourists are beginning to flock to the region, and the tourism industry forms an integral part of the region’s economic plans for the future. Resorts, hotels, and new travel companies are popping up all over the region, and Oman luxury holidays are becoming increasingly popular.

Oman’s Prime Location

Oman is in a prime location, with beautiful scenery and many tourist sites, which makes Oman holidays the most popular for tourism in the Gulf. Its wildlife and ecological features are exceptional, making it popular amongst holidaymakers and tourists. It also has a number of cultural and historic sites, making for interesting activities when on an Oman holiday.

Oman is Economically Ready for Tourism Development

Oman is currently in an economically desirable position because one of its primary exports, hydrocarbon, is being sold at a high price.

This means that the sultanate has begun developing its economy away from oil and gas production, into newer areas. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said wants to incorporate the growing tourism industry into the sultanate’s economic plans, and promote Oman luxury holidays.

Because it is the most popular tourist destination in the Gulf, the tourism industry could well develop into a central part of Oman’s economy. Perhaps now is a good time to visit Oman, because its scenery and historical sites are superior, and it would be good to go on an Oman holiday before the region becomes a major tourist destination.

Oman’s Political Stability Makes Tourism Possible

The sultanate has been, and continues to be, politically stable and safe for tourists. This is perhaps one of the biggest selling points for Oman holidays, as opposed to holidays in other regions of the Gulf. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has ruled over the sultanate since his accession in 1970. Under his leadership, Oman has been modernised, united and opened, following the more closed and divided rule of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman.

This puts Oman at a significant advantage as far as tourism is concerned, as it is the most stable and safe region in the Gulf, which largely responsible for the rise in Oman holiday bookings.

Oman Maintains International Relationships

Oman has been clever in its approach to international relations, remaining in relatively neutral ground. This is excellent in terms of tourism, because people from all over the world will be willing to go on Oman holidays. Oman manages to maintain good relations with the west and with Iran, and even has cordial relations with Israel. It also has a good relationship with the US, unlike many of its neighbours. All in all, it has maintained good international relationships, making Oman Luxury holidays a perfect choice.

Khalil bin Abdullah Al Khonji, chairman of OCCI, was also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, Dr Rajha underlined the importance of direct meetings as they contributed to the growth of the tourism sector to serve the development of tourism in the future.

She also highlighted the leading role played by the private sector in Dhofar and the Sultanate, being a strategic partner of the government in promoting tourism.

She said the Sultanate was pursuing strategies and specified policies for tourism development which are subjected to revision and updating regularly, considering all the latest domestic, regional and international changes.

She explained the policies pursued in the Seventh Five-Year Development plan (2006/2010), including the comprehensive tourism promotion plan in the Sultanate, also in global markets, diversifying tourism product, promoting the private sector’s role, hiring local and foreign investment capitals, benefiting for the society from the tourism sector, abiding by sustainable tourism development principles, its economic, social, cultural and environmental in terms of dimensions.

New tourism law

“The Tourism Ministry is currently coordinating with the authorities concerned to issue the new tourism law,” she added.

The ministry is taking efforts to promote domestic tourism through development of a number of tourist spots.

These sites included wadis and places in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Salalah, a number of old villages and mountainous tracks.

Abdullah bin Hussain Al Mashhoor Ba’omar, head of Tourism and Real Estate Investment Committee at the OCCI Salalah branch, showed the vision of the OCCI Salalah branch on requirements for developing tourism sector and its role in the economic development, in terms of completing the tourism development infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate, as well as promoting tourism attraction potential in Dhofar.

Except the rise in number of visitors the officials want to increase the number of Omani nationals working in the sector from the current 37 per cent to 80 per cent by the year 2010. The Vision also speaks about achieving an average annual growth rate for the tourist income by 7 per cent during the 2005-2010 period. The plan also mentions the need to conserve and protect environment as well as Oman’s customs, traditions and cultural heritage.

The Omani government already cooperates with the private sector to achieve the above mentioned goals. Numerous projects have been started. There is for example the upgrade and expansion of the Muscat International Airport. Last year 3.2 million international visitors arrived at the airport. To cope with the planned increase in the number of visitors, the airport needs to be expanded.

There will be a new terminal building, new runway and the old one will be upgraded so that it can handle the super-sized Airbus A380. Transport infrastructure will be upgraded for example in Nizwa, Duqm and Salalah. There is also the project for a 6000-seat Convention Centre close to Muscat International Airport.

Not only construction should help the Omani tourism industry. Administrative issues are also important. Oman has for example made it possible for nationals of up to 60 countries to receive entry visas on arrival at the airport.

www.tourism-review.com

Dr Rajiha unveiled the plaque as a symbolic gesture in the presence of Dr Juma bin Ali bin Juma, minister of manpower, and a number of undersecretaries, ambassadors of various countries and representatives of the travel and trade industry.

After the inauguration, the dignitaries were taken on a tour of the college premises in which they witnessed the college course exhibitions.

The dignitaries were shown the language resources, languages, management, tour guiding, housekeeping, service and culinary and front office demonstrations.

The Oman Tourism College (OTC), founded in 2001 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is an institution that specialises in tourism and hospitality, education and training.

The OTC is affiliated to the International College of Tourism and Management, University of Applied Sciences, and the Salzburg Tourism Schools of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

In her statement, Dr Rajiha pointed out that Oman Tourism College is one of the vital institutions in the tourism sector and will supply the tourism sector in the Sultanate with the different specialties and qualified national manpower needed by the sector for growth in the coming period.

She also said that the ministry is currently preparing a study on the hotel accommodations during the coming period in a bid to strike a balance between market demand and supply and if necessary grant licenses for more projects to meet the demand.

In his welcome speech, Mohammed bin Khamis Al Amri, chairman of OTC said that the opening of the college aims at qualifying and training Omani youth to work in the tourism sector. The OTC chairman also outlined the facilities and courses offered at the college.

According to Bernhard Klefasz, dean of OTC, February 10 marks a historic occasion for the college. "This inauguration marks a consummate moment in my life as a member of Oman Tourism College," Klefasz said.

"In performing the responsibilities entrusted to us we pledged on an uncompromising commitment as members of OTC to the highest standards of excellence and integrity, best exemplified by our remarkable and beloved patrons," Klefasz said.

The courses offered at OTC include an International Tourism Management Diploma or a professional certificate course in culinary; front office and housekeeping; restaurant service; or tour guiding creates a dual programme.

The courses include theoretical and practical training in many aspects of tourism and hospitality, foreign languages, modern communicative learning resources, IT training and internship.

There are also short tailor-made courses to suit the clients needs in the tourism and hospitality industry from kitchen and service to travel and tourism. The college is located on a sprawling 38,929 square metres area with campus built up area being 9,159 square metres.

timesofoman.com

Owned entirely by the Oman government, the two boats, due to be delivered in April, will be used for services between Shinas and Musandam, a distance of about 180 kilometres. “During the trial run, the speed reached 55 knots per hour, more than their 52-knot standard speed, making them the fastest for any commercial ferries in the world,” the company said. Besides linking the coastal areas, Shinas and Hormuz, both 65 metres long and with a capacity to accommodate 208 passengers and 56 vehicles, are expected to promote tourism to the breathtakingly beautiful Musandam peninsula, the Sultanate’s northern-most tip.

They will also provide an important new transportation link between Khasab, the main town in Musandam, and the northern Batinah coast.

The ferries, which boast a helipad as well, is powered by four MTU 20 cylinder 1163 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce/KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system.

Oman signed the $66 million deal for the vessels with Austal Ships in May 2006 following a competitive international tender process. Passenger facilities will feature high quality seating and catering support, all located on a single deck, with additional seakeeping comfort provided by a SeaState Motion Control System.

Students learn about heritage

ELEMENTARY School students of The American International School of Muscat (Taism) have been learning about Oman as part of the school’s annual weeklong ‘Discover Oman Programme’.

During the week, students are exposed to and experience the unique cultural and environmental diversity available to them locally.

Students learn about the rich culture and heritage as well as important economic sectors of today and the past. Grades 4 and 5 students, after attending a lecture given by local environmental scientists from Five Oceans, engaged in a beach clean-up exercise.

Grade 4 students, guided by the scientists, also conducted a beach survey at Qantab to better understand and appreciate the microhabitats and ecology. Students visited local museums – Bait Al Baranda, Omani Heritage, Natural History and Nakhl Fort.

Curators of each of the museums gave them highly informative tours. They toured the Muttrah and the Seeb fish souks.

The Seeb group had the fish drying process explained to them by Seeb resident and member of staff, Mohammed Al Balushi. Grades 1 and 3 visited Tawoos Farm, a success story on the application of modern farming techniques to farming in this traditionally agricultural region of Oman.

Early Childhood 2, Grade 2, and Grade 5 learned about Omani efforts to conserve Arabian purebred horses and ponies at the Royal Cavalry Stables in Seeb.

Students visited a variety of sites to learn about Oman’s geological heritage, hiking from Ghallah Oasis to Bausher, and in the process learning about how Ghala Oasis owes its existence to its geological location.

Grade 2 students visited the Al Ansab Hot Springs where they learned about Falaj systems and their relevance to water conservation efforts. There was also a team-building hike in Riyam for grade 5 students.

The Kindergarten had an exchange with students from Al Nubugh Elementary School, Al Hail. The programme always concludes with a celebration of the wealth of culture and heritage inherent in Oman.

Students experienced Omani hospitality at its best in an authentic Omani tent arranged by Taism Omani members of staff, Khazina Al Harthy, Habiba Al Harthy and Sabra Al Harthy.

There, students, parents and non-Omani staff learned about Omani dining etiquette before enjoying delicacies including coffee and dates. They listened and danced to Omani traditional music.

khaleejtimes.com

The mosque was closed for some weeks after some water had flowed in partially damaging the carpet due to Gonu cyclone that battered Oman coast in June.

The grand mosque is one of the premier sites on tourists' list as non-Muslims, subject to proper dress code, are allowed to see inside between 8 am and 11 am.

Guides are also available to take tourists around the 416, 000 square meters mosque site.

The Grand Mosque is a fine example of different Islamic architecture blended with modern styles. The complex encompasses an area of around 40,000 square meters with a total capacity for 20,000 worshippers.

The main prayer hall has 35 chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals with the central chandelier measuring 14 meters in height and has 1,122 lights and weighs 8 tons.

Another feature is the carpet which is a single piece measuring 263 square meters and covers the floor of main prayer hall. There is a separate prayer hall for women. The mosque is equipped with a library and an Islamic Cultural Centre.