Oman’s inclusion in Condé Nast Traveler’s select list of 25 of the best holiday destinations in the world has been cheered by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The award-winning luxury and lifestyle travel magazine has featured the Sultanate among “25 best destinations in the world to go on holiday in November, from South Korea’s flourishing capital to the Canadian hinterland”.
Salim Mohammed al Mahouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, welcomed Oman’s presence in the prestigious list with a brief tweet over the weekend affirming: “Oman is among the listed!”
Authors Hazel Lubbok and Laura Chubb described the Sultanate as an ideal destination for holidays looking for a combination of winter sun, nature and traditions.
“If what you want is a hit of winter sun, somewhere remote with wide open spaces, and just a short flight away, then Oman may just be the place you were looking for. Muscat is where you’ll find age-old traditions, elaborate mosques and scent-filled souks. On the west coast, the Musandam Peninsula has empty coves and always-warm green-blue water, hidden by the imposing Hajar mountains. For more dramatic scenery still, travel along the southern coast, camping among the dunes in goat’s-hair Bedouin tents,” they wrote.
The introduction on Oman features sustainable travel tips for visitors to consider, such as an “overland camping adventure across the desert from the capital, Muscat, to incongruously green Salalah in the south”.
Tourists can also visit traditional fishing villages and learn about Bedouin life from local guides. Stopovers at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary are also recommended.
Other international destinations included in the Top 25 are: Lisbon (Portugal), Sayulita (Mexico), Iceland, Valetta (Malta), Egypt, Cuba, Patagonia (Chile), Nepal, Ethiopia, Verbier (Switzerland), Yukon (Canada), Phoenix – Arizona (USA), Antarctica, Colorado (USA), Andalucía (Spain), Antigua and Barbuda, Essaouira (Morocco), New Zealand, Athens, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon (USA), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Hong Kong and Myanmar.
