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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

3-day holiday boost for local tourism

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Muscat, July 16 - For both citizens and expats, the announcement of a holiday on Renaissance Day on July 23 has meant another “tourism rush” after the just-concluded Eid holidays.


Since the holiday falls on a Sunday, preceded by the two-day weekend, many prefer to take advantage of a three-day holiday and head to their favourite destinations across the country, according to travel operators.


“Raz Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Masirah Island Resort and City Hotel Duqm along with Al Uwaifiyah Restaurant have been inundated with calls for bookings,” Vijay Hande, cluster manager for these iconic properties catering to both local and international visitors told the Observer.


“Usually, short vacations are a boost to local tourist destinations. We are glad local tourism is thriving with visitors from both Oman and other countries,” Hande said.


Travel operators have chalked out competitive packages for short-term travellers, which include both Omani and GCC destinations.


OUA, a leading operator, has begun to offer Muscat-Salalah packages as well as those to Khasab and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, not to forget GCC countries.


“We have packages ranging for five-star to single star across the GCC while some packages can be tailor-made as well.”


Since it’s a short vacation, our packages are focused on sightseeing in Oman and elsewhere,” said Chirag Verma, Manager, Product Development, OUA. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Atana Musandam, Atana Khasab, Anantara Jebel Akhdar, Salalah’s Mirbat Marriott Resort, Doha’s Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, Four Seasons Doha and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are some of the partners making the Renaissance holiday a memorable one, according to Chirag.


Travel Point Vacations, another leading operator, is offering clients packages for an extended weekend.


“We have yet to receive more bookings for international destinations as not many prefer destinations outside Oman given the paucity of time. Most of them are opting for local attractions,” said the representative of a leading airline.


KABEER YOUSUF


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