16 May 2009
MUSCAT --The semi-submersible vessel launched recently by the Ministry of Tourism at Marina Bandar al Rowdha for 'underwater tour' of Bandar al Khayran's coral reefs has elicited a good market response. Bob Looker, Manager, Marina Bandar al Rowdha, said "We have started commercial operations and response from schools and other sectors has been very good". Tourists gave varying accounts of their experiences. Some said it was a most exciting experience to watch the underwater world of marine creatures and corals without having to undertake diving with an oxygen cylinder on the back.
Others said their view was at times partially blocked by red tide and they could not enjoy the trip fully.. Officials at Marina Bandar al Rowdha told the Observer that at times red tide does block the view and its hard to forecast it. However, once they notice the red tide, they inform those who are booking about this or suspend some trips to avoid unhappy experience for the tourists. Overall, said the Marina Bandar al Rowdha officials, the response is very good. School children do come in large numbers and enjoy their trips immensely.
There are 4 daily trips, 7 days a week. The trip for each person is priced at RO 25 for expatriates. But for Omani nationals it is priced at RO 6 and for students from any school in Oman only RO 4. The first trip starts at 9 am, followed by others at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. The semi-submersible vessel is aimed at promoting marine tourism in an environment-friendly way. It provides a good opportunity for education and awareness. Experts say the semi-submersible will be a big boost to marine tourism in foreseeable future. Blessed with a vast wealth of marine wildlife, Oman holds out a paradise for coral reef watchers.
The semi-submersible offers a fun way of watching coral reefs and the vast array of marine wildlife that resides in Omani waters. Coral reefs are abundantly found in Muscat area in general and in Bandar Khayran in particular. The semi-submersible is also a big boost to environmental protection because it helps enjoy the underwater wonders without causing any damage to the marine environment. Taking care of coral reefs and marine environment is important because they are of value to fisheries, tourism, recreation, coastal protection, marine biodiversity and marine biology. Oman is known worldwide for its high standards of environmental protection and for the cleanliness and beauty of its beachfronts. The semi-submersible is just one of the steps that reinforces this image.
MUSCAT --The semi-submersible vessel launched recently by the Ministry of Tourism at Marina Bandar al Rowdha for 'underwater tour' of Bandar al Khayran's coral reefs has elicited a good market response. Bob Looker, Manager, Marina Bandar al Rowdha, said "We have started commercial operations and response from schools and other sectors has been very good". Tourists gave varying accounts of their experiences. Some said it was a most exciting experience to watch the underwater world of marine creatures and corals without having to undertake diving with an oxygen cylinder on the back.
Others said their view was at times partially blocked by red tide and they could not enjoy the trip fully.. Officials at Marina Bandar al Rowdha told the Observer that at times red tide does block the view and its hard to forecast it. However, once they notice the red tide, they inform those who are booking about this or suspend some trips to avoid unhappy experience for the tourists. Overall, said the Marina Bandar al Rowdha officials, the response is very good. School children do come in large numbers and enjoy their trips immensely.
There are 4 daily trips, 7 days a week. The trip for each person is priced at RO 25 for expatriates. But for Omani nationals it is priced at RO 6 and for students from any school in Oman only RO 4. The first trip starts at 9 am, followed by others at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. The semi-submersible vessel is aimed at promoting marine tourism in an environment-friendly way. It provides a good opportunity for education and awareness. Experts say the semi-submersible will be a big boost to marine tourism in foreseeable future. Blessed with a vast wealth of marine wildlife, Oman holds out a paradise for coral reef watchers.
The semi-submersible offers a fun way of watching coral reefs and the vast array of marine wildlife that resides in Omani waters. Coral reefs are abundantly found in Muscat area in general and in Bandar Khayran in particular. The semi-submersible is also a big boost to environmental protection because it helps enjoy the underwater wonders without causing any damage to the marine environment. Taking care of coral reefs and marine environment is important because they are of value to fisheries, tourism, recreation, coastal protection, marine biodiversity and marine biology. Oman is known worldwide for its high standards of environmental protection and for the cleanliness and beauty of its beachfronts. The semi-submersible is just one of the steps that reinforces this image.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2009
