The peaks of Al-Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah beaches, Khareef Dhofar, and well fitted tourist facilities welcome summer tourism season with expectations of increase in number of visitors

Roundup Monday 05/June/2023 16:36 PM
By: Times News Service
The peaks of Al-Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah beaches, Khareef Dhofar, and well fitted tourist facilities welcome summer tourism season with expectations of increase in number of visitors

Muscat: Due to its enormous natural diversity, the Sultanate of Oman is considered as an attractive tourism destination in all seasons of the year.

The summer tourism season for this year, is expected to witness an increase in the number of visitors to the cold destinations that enjoy exceptional weather and activities that suit the summer tourism and meet the requirements of the tourists.

The attractive destinations including the Governorate of Al-Dakhiliyah ,in particularly Al- Jabal Al Akhdar and Jabal Shams, as well as the Governorate of Dhofar and the Governorates Al Sharqiyah South.

 The Omani summer tourism destinations are enjoying mild weather and low temperatures. In addition to the rain and drizzle that is known as the Khareef season in the Governorate of Dhofar , at a time when temperatures rise regionally to high levels, this is accompanied by unremitting efforts to enhance these ingredients with activities and events that meet the tourist requirement in the summer tourism season.

Also the existence of solid infrastructure supports the tourism sector through the availability of well established hotel establishments in the Governorate of Al- Dakhiliyah , including 8 hotels in Al Jabal Al Akhdar with a rating of (1-5) stars ,with (547) rooms, two hotels in Jabal Shams and many hotel establishments with a rating of (1-5) stars In the Governorate of Dhofar , which provides a wide choice of accommodation and luxury, while there are 86 hotels in the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South , and a number of 43 hotel facilities in the Governorate of Al Wusta.

Commenting on this matter, Raia bint Salem Al Maskeriyah, Assistant Director of Tourism Promotion and Marketing at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said: “These destinations are receiving great attention from the ministry by promoting investments that contribute to keeping pace with the growing tourism movement, and enriching tourism products and experiences that encourage the stay of the tourist as long as possible in the tourism destination.”.

She added: The tourism promotion program by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to be implemented through various media, social media, exhibitions, posters, flyers, brochures and pamphlets, in addition to cooperating with sector partners to provide promotional offers.

She pointed out that, visitors can practice many tourism activities, such as enjoying the moderate weather, sunrise and sunset, and to practicing adventure tourism and marine sports.

She clarified that, there are many activities carried out by tourists and visitors in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, particularly in the morning, including camping, hiking, mountain climbing, hiking between valleys, shopping for the products of Al – Jabal Akhder , visiting heritage sites , such as castles and forts, as well as Aflajs, valleys, ancient lanes and ancient houses to identify customs and traditions of the people of these areas .

The tourists and visitors can also be acquainted by the cultural heritage as well as roaming by bicycle and enjoying a lot of other activities. She also pointed out that, the agriculture activity at Al Jabal Akhdar is also considered a tourist product, while the visitor always keen to know more about this activity of unique cultivation of terraces and products such as pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, figs, peaches, apricots and aromatic plants.

Raia Al-Maskeriyah added that, The Governorate of Al-Sharqiyah South, which is one of the important destinations in the summer tourism season, enjoys coastal environment of extended valleys that contributes to make it an exceptional destination for those who are interesting in the adventure and exploration activities, while its beaches are an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

She pointed out that, the visitor to the Governorate of Al-Sharqiyah South can enjoy many activities, where the Governorate is considered the ideal place for camping and fishing. The visitor will has the opportunity to watch turtles at Ras Al-Hadd, windsurfing on the water at the Suwayh area, or to visit SUR workshops for the traditional ship industry, as well as enjoy walking activities.

 She added that, the tourist will enjoy the picturesque nature of Wadi Al-Shab and many other fun activities or surfing on Masirah Island, where the waves are active during the period between July and September of each year, affected by the monsoons.

She added that, the Governorate of Dhofar possesses tourism potentials, as it is rich in environmental diversity that includes beaches, soft sands, a series of mountains, valleys, flat plains, a desert which is extending to the Empty Quarter, water springs, natural fountains, and various caves, in addition to natural agricultural products, including coconuts, bananas, fava beans, and sugar cane, in addition to beautiful creeks, natural reserves, and animal and marine wealth.

The governorate of Dhofar offers various activities to be enjoyed by the tourists and visitors, such as visiting Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, which includes the Land of Frankincense Museum, with its comprehensive view of the Sultanate of Oman in its various regions throughout the ages, in addition to visiting Samhuram Archaeological Park and the historical forts in the Willet of Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah, and many historical and archaeological sites in the governorate of Dhofar.

In this Governorate the tourist can practice the adventure activities in the plains and at mountainous heights, including the heights of the Sahal Attin and Sahal Hamrir, in addition to the main water springs throughout the governorate of Dhofar, including Razat, Jerziz, Hamran, Sahlnot, Athum, and Darbat areas.

The visitor to the Governorate of Dhofar can also visit the traditional markets, shops selling frankincense, Omani sweets shops, and outlets for selling fresh local agricultural products.

The Governorate of Al-Wusta, as one of the important destinations for summer tourism, with its distinguished tourism potentials and unique nature, it received a large share of the Ministry's attention, whether through the investment offering to support infrastructure projects for the sector or efforts to promote it tourism ingredients.

The coastal wilyats in the Governorate of Al Wusta are characterized by the beauty of their beaches and the diversity of their terrain that makes them a destination for adventure tourism, marine sports, recreational activities and stunning beaches.

The wilayats of Duqm, Mahut and Al-Jazir abound with beautiful beaches extending along the Arabian Sea, from Ras Al-Ruwais in the Wilayat of Mahut to Ras Suqra in the Wilayat of Al-Jazir, in addition to the sand dunes and towering mountains bordering the Arabian Sea and its wonderful valleys that are adorned with Ghaf trees and many wild plants, as well as its natural reserves as (a protected for living and fungal organisms and a protected wetlands).

There are also many activities that the visitor can do during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities.

There are also various activities that ,the visitor can enjoy during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities.

As the shopping is considered as one of the most important aspects of tourism entertainment, the malls and commercial centers in the Governorate of Muscat are fulfilling the aspirations of the visitor and meeting different tastes with the availability of various stores that include major international brands.

The various commercial centers considered as an important tourist destination during the summer season, as they combine being a place for picnics and also a destination for a unique shopping experience in which the shopping tour turns into a real pleasure, since some of them have the experience of wandering among the aquatic life in the aquarium or the snow village and its skiing activities on the ice.

Also, visiting the museums scattered accosted the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, whether governmental or private museums , is a unique activity in the summer season, based on the keenness of visitors to see the rich collections that tell the cultural and historical heritage of the Sultanate of Oman and the Omani contribution to human civilization throughout the ages.

She pointed out that among the things that the visitor should be keen on is to respect the Omani culture, which is known for its unique politeness, where the tourist should get permission before photographing people, and It is also not allowed to photograph the government buildings or military sites, as it is not permitted in many countries. While the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working to enhance tourism awareness, which is directly linked to the development of communities and the rehabilitation of tourist sites, and by following the instructions and directives, the visitor maintains the place and ensures his safety and the safety of others, stressing the need to follow public safety guidelines and avoid swimming in high water currents in order to preserve the safety of tourists and ensure the safety of tourists Listen to a safe tourist trip and remain in memory.

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Mansour Al Ghufaili, Wali of of Al-Jabal Al Akhdar, said that the summer tourism season in the Wilayat of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar witnesses attracts large number of visitors from inside and out of the Sultanate of Oman to enjoy the mild weather and the various natural ingredients that abound in the Wilayat, which is one of the most important tourist destinations.

He emphasized that , the Wilayat of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar is currently witnessing remarkable development in the various development and tourism fields that serve the population and visitors, therefore , we expect an increase in the flow of tourist groups during this summer from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman, while the government represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has made a lot of efforts to create appropriate conditions for the tourism and hotel sectors to play their roles in providing housing and accommodation in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar , confirming that , there are several options in the Wilayat for tourists to visit Al Jabal Al Akhdar and enjoy its wonderful atmosphere and picturesque nature

His Excellency Sheikh, the Wali of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar pointed out that , during the month of August of this year 2023 , the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar Festival will be held, including various events, which will have a positive impact on the people of the theWilayat , in addition to the influx and increase in the number of tourists and visitors to Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar.

 Ali bin Saif Al Shukaili, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in the Governorate ofAl-Dakhiliyah , said that many visitors and tourists flock to the various wilayats of the governorate, and in light of the promotional campaigns carried out by the ministry of Heritage and Tourism to introduce tourism attractions and to hold some festivals in cooperation with the Governorate of Dakhiliyah to highlight the aesthetics of tourist sites, in order to encourage the touristis to visit the mountains of :( Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Al-Jabal Al-Sharqi, and Jabal Shams in the Wilayat of Al-Hamra), we expect a significant increase in the number of tourists in general for Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate, and in particular to the mountainous areas that are enjoying mild weather in the summer.

Abuniet Singh, General Manager of AlilaJabal Al Akhdar Resort, said that Al Jabal Al Akhdar, being at least 15 degrees Celsius cooler at any time of the day, compared to all major cities in the Gulf, it is the perfect destination to beat the heat, while we aim at providing experiences that do not deprive guests from the "Summer Fun" in the wonderful and amazing weather here.

For his part, Said AlKhatri, Manager of Jabal Shams Resort, stated that. the resort's management, in cooperation with local travel and tourism offices, is conducting promotional offers, with best prices, where many event are being organized at Jabal Shams Resort ,in coordination with the organizing events companies in order attract a number of tourists.

Engineer Ammar bin Marhoon bin Ahmed Al Marhoon, Chairman of the Development Committee of the Municipal Council in the Governorate of Dhofar, said that focusing on the specificity of the governorate Dhofar and highlighting its components and its uniqueness is considered a distinctive means of attraction to provide information and passion for the tourist, as work is being done on this, in cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and its partners in the tourism sector, while a steady increase in the number of tourists is expected for this season.

Abdullah bin Rashid Al Hajri, Director of the Tourism Heritage Department in the Governorate of Al-Sharqiyah South, said that the concern administration has addressed the accommodation facilities, tourist offices and commercial centers in the governorate Al- Sharqiyah South to cooperate in promoting the summer season, while it is expected that visitors will flow during the summer season to areas with moderate climates, such as Niyabat Al Ashkhara and Masirah Island, as they are positive affected in the summer by the monsoons that make the weather mild and favorable to tourists from Oman and abroad, due to the blowing of its fresh air laden with cool breezes that make you forget the flames of summer heat, which hangs over most parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

He pointed out that, there are attractions that invite tourists and visitors to visit the Governorate of Al –Sharqiyah South, as the governorate with its five wilayats is enjoying diversity of tourist attractions such as marine, mountainous naturalenvironments, heritagepotentials, villages, historical neighborhoods and city centers that were famous in the past and are still known for trade and investment.

He added: Niyabat Al-Ashkhara is one of the tourist attractions during the summer season due to its mild climate throughout the year, that made it an important tourist destination, in addition to the picturesque beaches that extend for several kilometers and the Ras Al-Jinz Reserve, which attracts visitors every night to watch turtles and their nesting process, or to visit the scientific centerfor turtles , as well to enjoy sea resorts and restaurants.