Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Thousands flock to local tourist spots

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Thousands of people, including natives and foreigners, preferred the Sultanate as their destination to relax and enjoy during the Eid al Fitr holidays. Reports indicate that hotel facilities in Muscat, Salalah, Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdhar registered almost 100 per cent occupancy with tourists flocking to these places to escape the scorching heat.


“The turnout at hotels in many places was extraordinary. The occupancy rate is high,” said an official at Jebel Akhdhar Hotel.


He said tourists flocked to the hotels to enjoy the verdant weather and the great panoramic and magnificent views of the Hajar Mountains.


“Our guests comprised different nationalities, including Omanis, European nationals, in addition to our brothers from the GCC countries,” the official told the Observer over phone.


The Jebel provides a different source of enjoyment for visitors due to its significantly lower temperatures. It is an important attraction for many tourists thanks to its splendid weather throughout the year.


“Most of the visitors consist of families. We seek to serve tourists by acquainting them with attractions that abound in Jabal Akhdhar,” the official said.


The lush-green Salalah and its surrounding areas were busy receiving visitors seeking to escape the blistering summer temperatures and enjoy the tranquil mist and enchanting showers.


Many travellers hoping to holiday in Salalah were disappointed on Sunday and Monday as they could not get bus or air tickets.


Although Mwasalat has increased its frequency to the land of frankincense and many private operators have added more buses to their fleet, seats were not available due to the excess number of passengers.


“I did not expect such a big rush. It was my mistake that I did not book the ticket in advance,” said Benedict, at the Ruwi office of Mwasalat.


An overwhelming number of passengers are visiting other tourist spots across the country.


The Wilayat of Bani Khalid in Sharqiyah North Governorate and Ras Al Hadd village in the Wilayat of Sur witnessed a significant number of tourists, with high occupancy rates in hotels. Citizens and residents are still thronging different wilayats, visiting Muqal tourist village, the water springs and Muqal Cave in Wadi Bani Khalid with its many sites.


Many of the country’s pristine beaches also registered high visitor turnout.


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