Tourism Enriches! And Gay Tours of Oman

More fun observations for you, on today's theme, Tourism.

Indeed, Oman is moving up in the world of Tourist destinations, its official! As lauded in the simply brilliant Times Of Oman Oman a fast growing travel and tourism economy.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:31:02 PM Oman Time
MUSCAT — Usama bin Karim Al Haremi, head of corporate communications and media of Oman Air notified that the two important reports have been issued discussing important developments within world tourism, and the status of each country in this regard.

The first report was issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), where the second research was conducted by the World Economic Forum (WEF). According to the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report ‘The 2008 travel and tourism economic research on Oman’, Al Haremi pointed out that Oman being a fast growing travel and tourism economy as per the report.
…
Oman’s travel and tourism should grow from 9.8 per cent (RO1,678.6m) to 11.1 per cent (RO2,265.4m) in this same period.

Yes, the tourism business is great, offering employment and investment opportunities while making the most of the almost endless beaches and vibrant culture of the Sultanate. Tourism also is known globally for mixing quaint and pristine native cultures with the more sophisticated social mores of the international jet set. This is going to present a challenge for Oman in the medium term. Skimpy bikinis and even topless bathing are now a far from unusual sight in the 4 and 5 star resorts in Oman. And who hasn't seen the tourists in their tight mini-shorts and sleeveless tops wandering around the Souk or Sabco Centre.

And so it progresses, with the simply darling company
Man Around Travel now offering organized holidays to Oman especially for Gay Men…


It sounds like a nicely organised tour, including Turtles, Wahiba sands, Wadi Shab, Tiwi, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, Al Sawadi Beach, the Souk (pashmina, pashmina… sir?) and crowned with, of course, a visit to the Amouage factory. I wonder who the local tour guide company is?

I presume it’s a question of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ at the hotels, because if unmarried men and women can check into The Chedi and Barr Al jissa (as they can), what can possibly be wrong with 2 male ‘friends’ sharing a room. I wonder if the king size bed is offered as an option…

Tourism Enriches indeed.

Note: Comments may be edited from this post in line with the law and at the whim of the dragon …

A snapshot of the itinery

Day 2
arrival Muscat
Arrival at Muscat airport, meet/greet by local guide, transfer to the hotel. Time to rest or to enjoy Qantab Beach (just a few minutes by taxi). Overnight at Ramada Hotel ****, Muscat

Day 3
Muscat (B)
The Omani capital Muscat is tidy, clean and most of it modern, nevertheless it is very oriental! We will start by visiting its most recent landmark, the impressive new Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Then Natural History Museum, Oil Museum. Picknick at Qantab Beach. Afternoon tea at the world famous Bustan palace Hotel. On the way to Matrah, the most traditional quarter of Muscat, we will stop near the Forts of Jilali and Mirani and some ministries (all from outside only). Time to shop at lively souq (bazaar) of Matrah, an excellent place for example to buy a typical Omani dagger. Overnight at Ramada Hotel ****, Muscat