Musandam’s exotic locale will receive an adventure flavour, following the implementation of the proposed plan to develop new activities, catering to adventurous travellers and visitors from home and abroad.
OMRAN (Oman Tourism Development Company), Sultanate’s executive arm for the development of the tourism sector, has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism to develop multiple new adventure activities and experiences in the peninsula, including a via Ferrata, zipline, hiking trails, cross isthmus and mountain biking trails, creating unique experiences to further boost tourism offerings in Musandam and attract both local, regional and international travellers to explore Oman from a newer perspective.
Located on the northern border of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula is a nature lover’s haven with striking high mountains that stand as sentinels of the region. The mountains, which spread out in a fascinatingly geometric pattern, rise more than 2,000 metres above sea level. They create a visually inspiring vista of the region, beckoning visitors of every kind.
With Omran taking up the project to add adventure to its natural beauty quota, the region is set to witness a surge of travellers and visitors from within the country and the region -all seeking a slice of its beauty and adventure. The attractive juxtaposition of the sea and mountains makes it a truly exotic destination. While trips in boats and traditional ships are designed to give visitors a nature soaked experience, its resplendent underwater life makes it the ideal diving site for both amateur and professional divers.
The new changes in the adventure circuit of Musandam will make it a must-visit destination for all. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Sultanate experienced a 4.7 per cent growth in international visitors in 2017, a testament to the efforts of the government to boost non-oil sectors, as part of Vision 2040.
With spectacular views onto the fjord of the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam is a popular tourism destination for domestic and international travellers and is renowned for its scenic, mountainous terrain and rich heritage that draw visitors to immerse in its wonders all year round.
Boasting an abundance of sheltered fjords, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs, the new facilities are set to further highlight the charm of the hidden gem. The development of the projects will commence this year and will be focused in the Khasab area.
Khasab is the regional centre of the Governorate of Musandam; it is home to Khasab Port, which is located in the far north of the governorate. The Khasab Governorate itself is known for its magnificent villages and the winding roads that to lead its mountain tops.
In addition to boosting tourism in the Sultanate, this project is expected to create new job opportunities, as well as project opportunities for local SME’s. As Walichnowski noted, this is in line with Omran’s ongoing commitment to nurture Omani talent, support the economy and strengthen their ties with the private sector.
OMRAN currently owns and manages three hotels in Musandam Governorate – Atana Musandam, Atana Khasab and Golden Tulip Dibba. This announcement is the latest in a series of key partnerships and tourism projects in 2018 that will bolster tourism into the Sultanate.
New Tourism Facility at Atana Musandam
In the latest development, OMRAN has partnered with Freestyle Divers, Omani-based scuba and watersports group, to launch a dive centre facility at Atana Musandam. The dive centre facility is set to open in September 2018 and will accept guests’ reservation for various packages that include a special focus on underwater photography, discovery and exploration of new sites, as well as marine conservation and biology. The dive centre will offer a comprehensive array of beginner and professional courses, including recreational diving suitable for the whole family, as well as technical diving involving diving beyond 40 metres using mixed gases. Managed by OMRAN, Atana Musandam continues to expand its hotel offering by adding a dive centre operation that is set to capture the attention of water sports and scuba diving enthusiasts in the region.