Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
proficiency, from beginners to advanced. The teachers are usually from Sudan and the
courses concentrate on classical Arabic rather than the Omani dialect.
For a much more personal experience in very small class sizes, the
Center for International
Learning
( 24 551041;
www.omancenter.org
;
Beach Rd, Al-Hail; from OR415 for a two-week Arabic course)
comes highly recommended.
INTERVIEW WITH HER EXCELLENCY MAITHA AL-MAHROUQI:
UNDERSECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TOURISM
What Type of Tourism Does Oman Promote?
The Sultanate of Oman is a relative newcomer to global tourism so we have taken a managed approach to sector
development. Cultural heritage, nature, adventure and indulgent travel have formed the cornerstones of our posi-
tioning. Along with authenticity, we feel that Oman's natural beauty, the grandeur and scale of our landscapes,
and the warm hospitality make a compelling case to visit the Sultanate for business or leisure.
We are giving greater emphasis to regional touring and business tourism. Accompanied and independent tours
are growing in popularity, with much of this originating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 3000-seat
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (opening early 2017) will allow us to host regional and international
events. We see pre- and post-event tours as an opportunity to spread tourism's benefits to regional communities.
How Safe is Oman Amid Regional Conflict?
Regional conflict has certainly dampened travel demand to the Middle East, but the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) region appears relatively unaffected. Our neighbouring mega-aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and
Doha have recorded strong year-on-year growth. We are awaiting end of 2012 data, but our expectation is a 16%
increase in arrival over 2011, and a 26% increase in passenger movements to Salalah. Musandam Peninsula is
also benefiting from flights and fast ferry services from Muscat and increasing leisure travellers from the UAE.
Does the Ministry Encourage Joint Holidays With the UAE?
Our focus is to encourage people to consider holidaying in the region because we see sustainable benefits in
building awareness in the region as a whole. It is both dynamic and diverse, and includes manufactured and natur-
al destinations. We see Oman as complementary to the mega-aviation hubs. There are frequent daily flights and
our discounted tourism visa is attractive for those driving from the UAE. We are also seeing more business people
and holidaymakers on Oman Air taking the opportunity of an Oman stopover.
Is it Possible to Balance Tourism's Demands with Oman's Natural Values?
Oman's natural values and beauty are among its great assets. The Ministry of Tourism is working with commu-
nity groups and government agencies to find ways to safeguard the environment. We have a lot to do, but the
main drive is to ensure that our education system addresses these issues. Young people must value the outdoors
(organisations such as Outward Bound have been highly effective in this respect) and treasure cultural heritage -
this means teaching them to notice petrogylphs in Wadi bani Kharus, or to be inquisitive about ancient archae-
ology sites such as Khor Rouri.
Any New Attractions on the Way?
The rate of progress is spectacular. We have over 2000 new resort and hotel rooms opening this year. Niche re-
sorts at Khasab and Jabel Akhdar will make a significant contribution to regional tourism. The spectacular road
