Hello everyone!
They are Federica, product manager at TWE, and I recently returned from a spectacular trip to Oman. In fact, I want to tell you all about what I experienced before I leave for my next adventure!
I was invited by the Ministry of Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman to explore the country and participate in an exclusive event: the Marhaba Europe 2024. This event, whose name literally means “welcome to Europe,” brought together selected tour operators from Italy and across Europe, offering a unique immersion in the culture and beauty of Oman.
My itinerary touched on the country’s main attractions-Muscat, Nizwa and the spectacular mountains of Jabal Akhdar. These places represent must-see stops for those approaching Oman for the first time. In Muscat, I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Opera House, an architectural gem that symbolizes the country’s love of music and the arts. Strolling through the bustling Mutrah souk, I was captivated by the scents and colors of the traditional markets.
The next stop was Nizwa, the cultural and traditional heart of Oman. Here I took part in an interesting agricultural tour of a date plantation, where I witnessed farmers skillfully harvesting the fruit by climbing palm trees and carefully pruning them. It was amazing to see how these ancient techniques are passed down from generation to generation.
From the plains of Nizwa, I moved to the majestic mountains of Jabal Akhdar, where the Ministry of Tourism is developing projects to promote sustainable tourism. Here, nature mixes with culture, and I discovered the beauty of the terraced cultivations of the damask rose and pomegranate, both of which are the protagonists during the flowering season of numerous festivals.
The trip continued with a visit to the “Oman Across Ages” museum , a modern facility opened in 2023, strongly desired by the extraordinary Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, known as the “enlightened sultan, “ to provide a space for Omani people to tell them about the country’s history, traditions, and great cultural heritage. All along, the Sultan’s vision has transformed Oman from a closed country to an open and future-oriented nation.
Finally, we could not miss an excursion to the Daymaniyat Nature Reserve, where I was lucky enough to observe sea turtles laying their eggs in this pristine paradise. The trip ended with a meeting with local suppliers, where we had the opportunity to introduce our company and discuss sustainability.
Oman is an inherently sustainable country, rooted in its traditions but at the same time open to the future. Before 1970, Oman was a closed world of fishermen and farmers, but with Sultan Qaboos’ rise to power, everything changed. The sultan opened the country to the world, promoting education abroad and encouraging young people to bring knowledge and development back home.
Here are some interesting facts about Oman that you may not have known
- Homes should be painted in neutral tones to enhance the surrounding landscape rather than the architecture itself.
- The cars are strictly white and flawless, so much so that the town has plenty of car washes.
- Omani men are always groomed and perfumed, giving the impression of floating through the streets in their traditional clothes.
- There is no criminality, as everyone is able to support themselves independently.
- White is the everyday clothing color, except for palm-climbing farmers, who may wear darker clothes made of synthetic materials that are easier to wash.
- Oman is a country where prosperity is shared by all
During my stay, I came to understand how important it is to respect the culture and traditions of Oman.
Being a responsible tourist means, for example, respecting the confidentiality of Omani people: men and women do not particularly like to be photographed; you must always ask permission.
In rural villages, it is essential to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs.
Oman also surprises with its cultural richness: music and art are accessible to all, with very low costs, allowing anyone to acculturate. A country that, although anchored in its roots, welcomes tourists with a unique warmth and sincerity, making them feel part of its fascinating culture.
Oman is a destination that stays in the heart, a country that does not want to bow to mass tourism, but at the same time embraces those who visit, making them feel part of something special.
If this story has made you want to discover Oman, I invite you to check out our dedicated itinerary here.
See you anon!
Federica of TWE