Boasting five meeting rooms and a business centre, the Park Inn attracts corporates. Leisure guests tend to come for the weekend. “What we find is that companies will often come on business, but will mix in some leisure activities,” explains executive assistant manager Marcello Nisi.

“The hotel’s very different from older properties in Oman; it’s very colourful, light and modern and we’re promoting the opening with lots of special offers,” he adds.

Visit: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Ras al-Jinz Scientific and Visitor Centre

The highlight of the new Ras al-Jinz Scientific and Visitor Centre is the turtle reserve, where you can see more than 30,000 green turtles nesting on the beaches.

Selling tips

Recommend an overnight stay at the reserve from $210 a room per night, including tax, service charges and turtle watching.

For corporates, recommend the centre as a unique meeting and incentives venue.

Agent incentives

Travel agents from outside Oman receive 10% commission on all overnight stays, restaurant and corporate bookings (commission is not earned on the guided tours). Travel agents based in Oman receive up to 20% commission.

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Omani born and bred 

Local tour operator Majan Light Travel & Tourism’s Nina Ventsik suggests some must-dos in her home country

“With green mountains standing three kilometres above sea level and a cool temperature up to 15˚ lower than the rest of the GCC, it’s no wonder neighbouring countries flock to Oman to escape the heat,” says Nina Ventsik. 

UAE residents often come for adventure tourism and the beaches — usually for a short stay of around three days.

Expat Europeans are also looking for culture, museums and castles.“The Khareef starts in Salalah in summer so most of the traffic is to Salalah, Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar, while Muscat is a good destination for corporates (making up 80-90% of the market) and budget travellers,” explains Ventsik.

“Unlike Dubai there’s no construction and most of the buildings are less than five-storeys high, with roof terraces and sea views,” she adds.

Omani guides

Some tour operators in Oman, like Majan Light Travel & Tourism, only employ Omani guides. “We think that’s important because they’re passionate about their country. Often guides will go off the beaten track and show guests their own villages,” says Ventsik. 

Traditional villages

Traditional villages are popular for trekking and seeing Omani people go about their daily lives. Visitors can pick up teas and cosmetics made using rose water from the spring blooms.

Authentic stay

Create packages incorporating an overnight stay in an old Omani house made from mud and stone, located on farmland in the heart of the mountains for the ultimate getaway.