A French study conducted on the ground has selected the Sultanate of Oman, with its diverse terrain dominated by the vast ranges of rugged mountains, to be the best adventure tourism destination.
This recognition is besides the recent appraisal by the Lonely Planet as one of the countries for leisure tourism and included it in the first seven countries to visit in the region.
The Sultanate Oman was ranked 7th on the Lonely Planet's list for its natural beauty, Bedouin values and rich heritage.
A French pro-athletes’ team has been exploring the country since December 9, 2021 and biking across various incredible mountainous regions of the country.
It was announced at a seminar on tourism in the Sultanate of Oman – Global Adventure by the Oman French Association (OFA) under the auspices of Veronique Aulagnon, Ambassador of France to the Sultanate of Oman which witnessed more than 80 Omani and French adventure tourists and panelists sharing their experiences and expertise in adventure tourism in the country.
They also explored ways to grow a strong, safe, respectful and employment-rich tourism industry in the country. Oman Air, Oman Automobile Association, Al Bustan Palace, JCDecaux and Marvelous World Travel joined hands with the organisers in the event.
Cycling and mountain biking has risen in popularity in the Sultanate of Oman, with both amateur and professional cyclists appreciating the country for its stunning diverse landscapes and the new challenge that riding in the country presents.
A video of mountain biking in the Sultanate of Oman prepared by the French pro-athletes’ team was shown to the audience that evoked all-round interest from various corners besides receiving hits to the tunes of hundreds of thousands online.
"The Sultanate of Oman has a great potential to grow itself to be the most-wanted adventure tourism destination globally as there has been a real interest for the same from across various continents. Such an event on adventure tourism discussion gathering attracts many different actors together to have a global view on the subject," Marie Elicagaray, OFA coordinator told the Observer.
The annual cycling event, Tour of Oman, professional road race, is the largest outdoor event by far which attracts cycling enthusiasts and spectators from all over the world and has succeeded in instilling interest for cycling in the young generation.
A panel discussion on how to match the potential of outdoor activities in the Sultanate of Oman with expertise from France with various experts in the subject was held. The first panelist, Thomas Manfe, Project Manager of Sidekick (France), spoke about how outdoor activities can be developed as an asset for tourism in the country, connecting them with big brand and adventure industry abroad. Ludovic Henry, Technical Director, Velo Concept (France), explained online how activities that tourists are looking for have changed in France and what are the options that are possible to offer in France that could also be replicated in the Sultanate of Oman.
"Oman needs to have biking trails sustainable and in congruence with surroundings without disturbing the existing ecosystem as little as possible. After having heard so much about the possibilities that exist in the Sultanate of Oman and after experiencing the natural wonders, I find the country the best destination for adventure tourism," Ludovic, who had experience in building over 450km of mountain biking trails in the Pyrenees (France), said.
Khaled Abdul Malak, surgeon and explorer, continued the panel showing what makes the Sultanate of Oman’s landscape unique when it comes to developing it as an adventure sport destination. Abdullah al Harthi, guide, spoke about the importance of involving the local people of the area where adventure tourism activities are being developed. Sophie al Wahabi, co-owner of Couleurs d’Oman, explained what the French tourists in the Sultanate of Oman are looking for and insisted on the importance of trained guides for the safety aspect at the panel moderated by Mohana Prabhakar.
Labib Mohsin, owner of Muscat Bikes, presented what exists currently in the Sultanate of Oman in terms of cycling trails, and what is the local level of interest in the sport - from sports associations as well as the general public. He shared his views on what he would like to see in this area to help the country realise its potential.
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