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Cruise tourists visiting capital seek local flavour

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By Vinod Nair — MUSCAT: March 11 - As the cruise tourism season for 2016-2017 comes towards the end, the Muttrah seafront area was bustling with global tourists as mega liners called at the same time last week. The passenger liners calling at Port Sultan Qaboos at this time of the year may be a routine, but the arrival of two cruise ships at the same time brings the hope for some brisk business, be it for antiques, souvenirs, restaurants or transportation. Speaking to Observer, a freelance tour guide said, “We still have little over a month to go for the cruise season to end, but this season has been encouraging compared to last year.”


According to experts, cruise tourists are different from conventional visitors who arrive either by road or air. “The age profile is different and these visitors get to spend only a few hours at one location. So they look for authentic souvenirs and food.”


A Canadian tourist said, “I am in Oman for the first time and want to see the country on my own. I have read enough and now would like to see and experience it myself.”


Few visitors opt for Mwasalat buses using city maps. “The authentic and well-navigated maps are the best city guide for any tourists. When you are in a friendly country like Oman there is no need for organised packages and tour operators.”


A number of tourists felt the transportation fares on the higher side. For example, the Big Bus charges around RO 30 per person though there are multi-city combo packages. Taxis too are on the expensive side with a one-hour site tour starting from RO 10.”


“Tourists are conscious about food safety, but still they prefer local flavour as much possible. That is what we try to offer them,” said the owner of a popular restaurant on the seafront.


Of the two ships, Mein Schiff 3 had a capacity of over 3,500 passengers while the ship Vision of the Seas by Royal Caribbean had a capacity of around 3,000 passengers.


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