'Zaree', the women-to-women cultural program, is a CSR initiative that will provide an insight into Oman's culture and heritage from a woman's perspective
The Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Tourism and Omran, Oman's leading tourism-related developer, hospitality manager and investment company, have today announced plans to further promote Khasab as an ideal destination for short breaks and highlight its status as a destination that offers authentic and cultural experiences. A key element of the plans is the launch of a unique women-to-women cultural program entitled Zaree - a CSR initiative developed by Omran.
The Zaree program will operate from a dedicated room inside the historic Khasab Castle, a picturesque stronghold situated on the inner cove of Khasab Bay in Wilayat Khasab, Musandam Governorate. Following the castle's restoration with new interactive displays for learning about the region's cultural heritage and environment, the castle was recently awarded 'Best International Museum Award' by the UK Museums' Association.
Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Oman Ministry of Tourism said, "We are confident that this new cultural program, Zaree, will become an iconic activity - especially among expatriate women's groups coming from the UAE and cruise passengers. Zaree is a unique and immersive insight to Oman's heritage, lifestyle and modernity from a woman's perspective."
Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al Lawati, CEO of Omran said, "As an Omani company, we constantly endeavour to find creative ways to showcase our rich cultural heritage. We do so directly through our core business of creating memorable tourism destinations and indirectly by supporting income generating programs that deliver long-term benefits to the local communities and the national economy. We are proud to be supporting Zaree as we believe in the program's ability to connect cultures by highlighting Khasab's rich culture, hospitality and lifestyle."
The Ministry also announced plans to host regional travel trade and media representatives on a 'Destination Khasab' familiarisation trip which will run from 8 - 9 November.
Khasab is experiencing a surge in tourism investment with the next landmark development being the 110-room, 3-star Khasab Hotel being developed by Omran. Khasab benefits from Oman Air's daily air services to Muscat and thrice weekly express ferry services from Muscat and Shinas.
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About Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman:
Oman's Ministry of Tourism (formed June 2004) is the Sultanate's lead agency for tourism planning, industry development and marketing. Tourism is recognised as a major opportunity in the Sultanate's economic diversification with the sector contributing around 3 per cent of GDP in 2011.
Oman's tourism strategy is to showcase cultural heritage and natural diversity to selected visitor segments. Oman's cultural heritage includes World Heritage Listed sites as well as a large portfolio of restored forts and castles, many of which are major regional attractions with quality museum collections. The country also boasts natural diversity with a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as distinct environments ranging from coral reefs to high mountains, expansive deserts and sub-tropical landscapes.
Annual international arrivals to the Sultanate have exceeded 11 per cent over the past 5 years, with Oman Air's network expansion to the United Kingdom and Europe playing a significant role in this growth. The Ministry continues to cooperate with Oman Air to build stop-over activity, and these efforts are enhanced by the recently introduced discounted visas.
Oman's world-class Convention and Exhibition Centre, a 3,000 seat facility with 4 hotels totaling 1,000 rooms, is set to open in 2016. This nationally significant development will allow Oman to host international business events and conferences. This adds to a large portfolio of recently opened attractions including the Royal Opera House Muscat, and niche resorts and spas in the Hajar Mountains and Salalah.
The Ministry champions the Sultanate of Oman's brand mark with the brand call: Beauty has an address.
The Ministry's representative offices cover United Kingdom, Germany/Scandinavia, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, GCC, India and Australia/New Zealand. These offices manage market-specific trade, media and consumer campaigns. The Ministry provides advice and guidance on a wide range of events and festivals. The Ministry's consumer and corporate web sites are www.omantourism.gov.om, www.muscat2012.om, www.moreoman.com and www.mot.gov.om.
About Omran:
Omran is mandated by the Government of Oman to deliver major projects and manage tourism assets and investments. This is in line with the Government's vision of positioning tourism as a major economic driver of the future and as a generator of employment.
Omran's growing project portfolio includes some of the largest developments in Oman such as the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Having delivered the 2nd Asian Beach Games facilities in record time and with an impressive health and safety record, it is now focusing on the delivery of its numerous projects spanning the country.
Omran is also a prominent asset manager and operator tourism assets in Oman. Regional and international investors have chosen Omran as their partner in developing mega mixed used projects and master-planned communities in addition to real estate developments and niche projects under various stages of development.
In developing these projects, sustainable development is of paramount importance, with the company management systems having been certified to ISO 14001 & 9001 standards plus the OHSAS 18001 accreditation. Omran also believes firmly that local communities and its stakeholders have to be the ultimate beneficiaries of its developments and activities.
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© Press Release 2012
