Muscat: Camps have seen massive tourist influx from within and outside the Sultanate. They have emerged as one of the most attractive products for tourists.
Statistics show that the occupancy level during the winter season, beginning from October till the end of April every year, has been between 60 per cent and 70 per cent.
The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging tourist camps as an import product, which increases the volume of accommodation facility of the tourism sector of the country. The statistics indicate that the number of beds provided by the camps reached 313 in 175 rooms of ten camps.
Some owners of the tourism companies, camps and diverse tourist resorts said that there was huge tourist influx in Al Sharqiyah deserts. They said that this was an indication of the diversity of tourism resorts of the area.
The camps also showed that diversity of tourism programmes and their richness. They are sufficient to attract various categories of tourists.
Talal al Shuaibi, Director of Tourism in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah, said that there was a positive development in the turnout of tourists, which reflected the desire of tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of deserts.
He said that the tourist camps in Al Sharqiyah Sands proved to be a successful Omani tourist product, which provide hotel facilities for many categories and segments of tourists from inside and outside the Sultanate who come here to spend a pleasant time of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
He added that there was a strong desire of many foreign tourists to explore the secrets of the sand and nature. They have bookings or opt for intensive tourism programmes of these most popular destinations deep into the deserts.
He said that the adventure activities were particularly very attractive for tourists and visitors who enjoy riding the camels through a package of programmes, which included passing through golden sand with caravans, which go from one tourist camps to others in various areas during few days and nights.Such activities also include desert sorts, sand skiing and four-wheel drive.
He pointed out that the tourist camps in Al Sharqiyah Sands were known for their preservation of Omani heritage and traditions.
Most of these tourist camps provide packages, which include various folklore arts shows. They also innovative methods to cover activities of authentic traditional Omani handicrafts, cuisines, drinks and bakeries as part of the packages.
Al Shuaibi said that Al Sharqiyah Sands was one of the most beautiful places for camping in the Sultanate. It is the most famous tourist destinations for those who love various tourism activities and sports in the area where it has become easy to reach due to improved infrastructure. These areas are located close to basic facilities and have diverse tourism activities.
About the role of the camps in showcasing and highlighting the Omani culture for tourists, al Shuaibi said: “Those who arrive at the tourist camps feel the hospitality of Oman.
When they reach camps, they can choose activities and events, which they want to participate or watch. There are also exhibitions of various types of traditional Omani folklore arts, handicrafts including handmade ornaments made in old methods of craft.
These tourist camps have also created jobs for the local people. He said that the tourist camps in Al Sharqiyah Sands proved their success as a tourist product contributed in providing hotel facilities for various categories of tourists, besides creating job opportunities for some citizens.
Foreigners show their keenness to explore the natural secrets of the sands. For this purpose, they need to seek help of citizens and hire them to know the old routes and tracks in the deserts.
The tourist camps are also helping in the marketing of local products for individuals in the governorate. Through these camps, local traditional handicrafts were being marketed and innovative methods were also being developed to present them as mementoes to the tourist when they return back home.
The tourist camps participate in all exhibitions and seminars related to the development of administrative and marketing aspects of such hotel facilities to learn from the experiences of various countries of the world. --ONA
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