Big Bus Tours, the largest operator of open-top sightseeing tours, officially began operations in Muscat with H E Maitha Saif Majid al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, recently flagging off the first tour.
The Big Bus tour is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour designed to take tourists past major landmarks and historic sites. It currently operates in 13 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Mike Lees, general manager, Big Bus Tours, said, "We are delighted to bring our tour to the city of Muscat. It will provide the growing numbers of tourists in this destination with a great opportunity to discover the city and its history, with the combination of informative commentary and breathtaking views from atop the buses making this tour an essential part of the Muscat experience."
"Big Bus Tours will elevate the country's standing as a touristic attraction on the world map, thereby escalating the influx of visitors to the sultanate," said H E Maitha.
"The Ministry of Tourism is working with the government and private sector agencies to ensure the sustainable development of tourism in accordance with Oman's Vision 2020, which sees the tourism sector making a significant contribution to our economy as well as a platform to showcase Oman's rich cultural heritage, protect and enhance environmental values, and build international peace through cultural linkages,"she added.
The tour begins from and concludes in Muttrah and covers 12 stops on its route including Royal Opera House, Qurm beach and Mangrove Lagoon. Five 71-seat buses will pass each stop every 20 minutes, from 9am to 7pm, so that guests can get off at a preferred stop, spend time there and catch the next bus to the other destinations.
The Big Bus ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase and costs RO20 per adult, RO10 per child above age five, or RO50 per family (two adults and two kids). Tickets can be purchased on the bus, from hotel concierges, travel agencies, or from Big Bus sales desks.
A walking tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is provided for free and a recorded commentary on each place will be available in six different languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
© Muscat Daily 2012
