Oman - OutboundHolidays

Sri Lanka sees 50pc rise in Middle East tourists

Sri Lanka reported a 50 per cent surge in tourist arrivals from the Middle East in January 2010, compared to the same period last year, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB).

For the sun-sea-and-sand enthusiast, Sri Lanka offers unbeatable value. Due to its location along the equatorial zone it has a tropical climate which varies with the regions and the seasons. Summer temperatures range between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and sunny, blue skies are virtually guaranteed. The island nation offers several public beaches as well as five-star beach hotels and resorts, said a spokesperson.

“A full range of water sports can be enjoyed in Sri Lanka, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water-skiing and deep sea fishing. Equipment for all sports can be hired and professional instruction is available throughout the coastal areas,” stated Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East director of SLTPB based in Dubai.

Divers in Sri Lanka are treated to some of the most spectacular reefs in the world as also large schools of a variety of colourful fish. The islands coastlines have dozens of famous ship wrecks dating back centuries and also coral reefs, under sea caves & rock formations all around the island.

Comfortable tours of the city are also possible with air-conditioned coaches and multi-lingual guides introducing you to the island’s unique culture.

There are more than five thousand rooms available in graded establishments along the southern coast offering a wide range of options for high spenders as well as budget travellers.

A visit to Sri Lanka would hardly be complete without sampling the wild natural beauty of the country including the scenic waterfalls, spice and tea plantations, bird and wildlife reserves, tropical jungle excursions and the luxurious yet eco-friendly accommodation, she added.-TradeArabia News Service

–

Omani airlines to open route to Sri lanka

MUSCAT — Omani airlines will next Wednesday open a new route to Sri lanka, a tourists destination and an interface for travelers from Oman and Asia, said Omani airlines Chief Executive Officer, Peter Heil on Tuesday.

“Oman Air will provide Airbus 320 planes equipped with a full set of communication services, internet, WiFi,” the CEO said, noting that Oman Air is the first company to offer these services for first and business class passengers.

“This step comes from the company’s strategy to provide high quality services,” Hail explained, noting that Oman Air will open new destinations to Malysia, Africa and Europe this year.

He affirmed that the new route to Sri lanka will strengthen bilateral ties, pointing out that the Sultanate holds close relations with Sri lanka.

Oman Air also have bases in all Gulf States, Indian continent , Egypt, Beirut, England, Germany and France.

–

Private 4×4 Safari Tour of Oman – The Green…

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £95.85
Location: Muscat, Oman

You start your private tour in the morning and drive from Muscat to Fanjah. You will stop at Wadi Fanjah and continue to Birkat Al Mawz. Passing the Fort that once guarded the entrance to Jebel Akhdar, you proceed up the most impressive mountain of Oman, Al Jabal al Akhdar in the heart of the Hajar Mountains.

Inclusions:

* Lunch
* English speaking guide
* Hotel pick up and drop off
* Private 4×4 vehicle transport
* Conducted in English

The villages are scattered on the mountainside with picturesque houses built of stones from Jebel Akhdar and the area is well known for its diverse agriculture. Small terraces with fruit trees, cherry blossom, peach flowers, pomegranate, saffron, garlic and much more create an amazing palette of colours and scents throughout the year. With temperatures being considerably lower than in other parts of Oman, the Saiq plateau is famed for its abundance of roses used for rose water and perfumes.

Return to Muscat late afternoon via Birkat Al Mawz. Do not miss this opportunity to experience the wonders of Oman. Lunch is served in Jebel Akhdar Hotel with wonderful views of the mountains.

Note, we require a copy of your passport. Please allow 2 working days to obtain a road pass for Jebel Akhdar.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Muscat hotels
Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 36 HOTEL DEALS IN MUSCAT, OMAN

–

The Mountain of the Sun – Private 4×4 Safari…

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £92.95
Location: Muscat, Oman
4star based on 2 reviews

Enjoy a great day out driving through the fascinating Hajar Mountains and the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz. Experience this superb Arabian adventure and discover the beauty and charm of Oman. Awe inspiring desert landscapes and beautiful desert oasis’s and date farms provide for a wonderful insight in to the culture and traditions of Arabia.

Inclusions:

* Lunch
* English speaking guide
* Hotel pick up and drop off
* Private luxury air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle transport
* Conducted in English

In Nizwa you will visit the famous 17th century fort and the souk (Local market) with its excellent Bedouin jewellery. Continue to Misfah, a village seemingly hewn out of rock.

Your next stop will be in the picturesque Al Hamra, one of the last loam villages in Oman. From Al Hamra the path leads to Jebel Shams, the “Mountain of the Sun”, from a height of nearly 9,843 feet (3,000 meters) you will have an outstanding view deep into the “Grand Canyon of Oman”.

A stop for a picnic lunch will be made en-route.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Muscat hotels
Departure Time: 8:00am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 35+ HOTEL DEALS IN MUSCAT, OMAN – HERE!

–

Private 4×4 Desert and Wadi Safari – Wahiba and…

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £98.00
Location: Muscat, Oman
3.5star based on 2 reviews

Your 4×4 vehicle will take you through the fascinating Hajar Mountains, and the town of Ibra to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis (dry river bed), famous for its lush green oases, water pools and deep canyons.

Inclusions:

Picnic lunch
Private 4×4 vehicle transport
Hotel pick up and drop off
Conducted in English

The tour proceeds to the Wahiba desert for an exciting dune drive and the opportunity to try camel riding. A stop for a picnic lunch will be made en route.

On the way back to Muscat there is a final stop at the village of Mudairib to see its traditional watchtowers.

Schedule

For additional information GO HERE!

Excellent guide who was very good with our 6 year old. Country is amazing and the desert safari was very exciting.

Reviewed by: Pauline G, United Kingdom

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 35+ HOTEL DEALS IN MUSCAT, OMAN

–

Oman tourism bucks global recession

Camel Caravan in the Sahara Desert The Sultanate’s tourism industry has shown resilience in the wake of the global slowdown and the flu scare, according to a Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) study, The Times of Oman said today.

According to the paper, “the SCB report says the number of tourist arrivals over the first five months rose 17.5 per cent as compared to last year. The study also reports a 3.9 per cent rise in revenue.”

With its economy diversifying, the Sultanate is increasingly banking on its tourism sector. “The diversification strategy of tourism is paying off. Despite the crisis, early indicators are encouraging,” Philippe Dauba-Pantanacce, economist, Standard Chartered Bank told the paper.

Compared to other GCC nations, Oman is ahead in terms of attracting tourists, industry figures said. “The arrival figures have so far been encouraging. We have managed to retain our share,” Mahesh Ramamurthy, manager, Bahwan Tours told the paper.

“The future looks promising as there has been a rise in inquiries for travel in October to December. With Ramadan ending in third week of September, we can expect a lot of tourists by October,” he said.

The push from the government, especially the Tourism Ministry, has given the sector a boost. The government has plans to spend $17bn, a 10 percent increase in public spending, this year, it was reported.

Thanks: ArabianBusiness.com