JEDDAH — The Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with Oman Air, continued its campaign "Discover Oman's Beauty" Workshop at Movenpick Jeddah on Tuesday. The campaign, which was launched last Sunday in Al Khobar, is ongoing for 4 consecutive days. The campaign focuses on promoting tourism packages that are offered by a number of tourism facilities and hotels in Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai. The initiative comes as part of the ministry's efforts in targeting the GCC tourism market through introducing the most iconic cultural landmarks in Oman and its foremost touristic and natural attractions. Speaking on the occasion, Salim Bin Adi Al Maamari, Director Manager of Tourism Promotion in the Ministry of Tourism, said: "This new campaign demonstrates our aspirations that we aim to achieve by reaching strategic markets and promoting for the tourism in the Sultanate in these markets." He said the campaign mainly sheds the light on Oman's nature and beauty and foregrounding its iconic touristic places to attract tourists from all around the world. "Our efforts of involving the Sultanate in the regional tourism market have resulted in a growth in the tourists visiting the Sultanate, therefore, we are collaborating with Oman Air-Oman's international airline- which introduces tempting travel offers to attract more tourists from the GCC to Oman," he added. In this context, Saudi Arabia is considered a major tourism market that we are working on building partnerships with its travel and tourism agencies and promoting Oman to the targeted audiences. The Sultanate had attracted last year more than 1 million tourists from the GCC alone, he pointed out. The promotional packages allow tourists to enjoy an enriching experience for individuals and families who'd like to spend their weekends relaxing, as well as those who'd love to go on adventures, from exploring a variety of locations along Oman coastal beaches to the high mountains and pristine wadis. He added the packages include family marine tours that enable families to watch dolphins and observe turtles laying eggs in Ras Al Hadd, Sur, as well as exploring tours in Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Jabal Shams, attending performances in Oman Royal Opera House, and getting the chance to relax and enjoy luxurious services in a number of Oman's five-star resorts and spas. In addition, the Sultanate has many of the best locations for kite surfing in Messirah Island which offers tourists a 2-hour length tour of diverse marine activities. "Discover Oman" packages include a pre-packaged accommodation for 5 nights with a planned tours for the GCC families in general and the Saudi families in specific provided with all the possible luxury and comfort services. He said the initiative aims to promote for Oman as a touristic destination during the period that starts from mid-May until September 2016. Jamal Sadiq, Director of Market-Based Representative of the Ministry of Tourism in the GCC countries, said: "These packages are designed to enable the Sultanate's visitors to enjoy tourism options in Oman and to achieve the maximum benefits. The campaign presents special offer-tourism packages from the participating hotels and tourism facilities that include travel tickets, hotel accommodation, a variety of activities and guided tours at competitive prices. These packages allow tourists to have a unique, genuinely authentic Omani experience including specialized programs for adventure and exploring fans as well as many family activities. A number of tourism & travel agencies and hotels are participating in the event alongside Oman Air and the Ministry of Tourism such as Al Safwa Travel & Tourism Group, Al Zahra Group, Razan Travel, Travel Point, Al bustan Palace Ritz Carlton, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Park Inn Muscat, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, The Chedi Muscat, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, and theInterContinental Muscat.
