Oman Roadshow

Watch out Dubai and Abu Dhabi - you have an ambitious challenger for a share of the Arabian tourist market: the Sultanate of Oman.

The equivalent of more than $A11 billion is being invested in new tourism projects by the government and the private sector, seeking to compete with neighbours in the United Arab Emirates in expanding the industry and its importance to the economy.

Among the plans are at least 10 new first-class resorts and a 6000-seat convention centre close by the airport in the capital, Muscat.

The airport itself is being upgraded with a new terminal and a runway long enough to accommodate the giant Airbus 380; regional airports are also being expanded.

Now an Oman Roadshow is about to hit Australia and New Zealand to spread the word about the tourist attractions in the nation which is bigger than the combined area of Victoria and Tasmania on the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula.

Travel agents have been signing up to attend the roadshows to "experience some of the sights and sounds of this breathtaking country," says a media release from the sultanate's Sydney tourism office.

Also on hand will be some of Oman Tourism's "movers and shakers".

The theme is "Bringing Oman to You" - hoping that Australians and New Zealanders will consider taking themselves to Oman as a new holiday venture.

Functions are scheduled in Perth at the Duxton Hotel on February 22, in Brisbane at the Hilton on February 23, in Sydney at the Westin on February 24 and in Melbourne at Studio 3 in Crown Casino on March 1.

The New Zealand date is February 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland.

The Oman Tourism Ministry is thinking big about the future.

Visitors in 2009 numbered about 1.5 million, and a 10 per cent rise is targeted this year - with exhibitions at 17 overseas travel fairs - and a total of 2.7 million by the end of 2012 then 12 million by 2020.

So what does Oman, a Muslim nation of 2.4 million people, offer the tourist apart from the inevitable souks (Arabian markets) and glorious beaches?

The capital is divided into three main districts - Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi - with sightseeing tours available.

The old walled port of Muscat is dominated by the palace of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, buildings of the Royal Court and Government offices.

Most revered building in Oman is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its towering minarets - the highest 91m above ground level - a white marble courtyard and the world's second largest one-piece prayer mat measuring 4,200sq-m, which took four years to weave.

The Grand Mosque is called "the crowing glory of Oman".

Opened in 2001, its main hall can accommodate 6,500 worshippers with the mosque's capacity soaring to 40,000 including outside areas, the courtyard and passages.

The Grand Mosque is open to the public between 9am and noon on Mondays to Thursdays only; admission is free.

The old town's entrance is guarded by two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, and the walls contain three original carved gates; old houses and narrow streets are overlooked by the hillside Mutrah Fort.

Mutrah port is the capital's commercial centre and its souks and bazaars are a magnet for shopping tourists.

Ruwi is the capital's business district and also has excellent shopping.

Other attractions here include the National Museum, with displays of Omani silverwork, and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, which outlines Omani history.

Oman also claims its beaches are among the best on the Arabian peninsula - among them Qurum, Bandar, Al-Jissah and Yeti, and there are beautiful gardens in Quram National Park, Riam and Kalbouh.

Salalah, capital of the southern region and 1,040km from Muscat, is set among coconut groves and banana plantations, with long sandy beaches.

It's also noted for ancient sites and tombs, and archaeological studies.

The historic cities of Al-Balid and Samhuram are other major tourist attractions with ancient religious tombs while other popular spots are Sahnot, Ain Rzat and Ain Hamran, variously with parks, gardens and beaches.

The desert country of Oman offers sand-skiing, camel races, trekking and safaris to the Hajar Mountains.

Other worthwhile places to visit:

Babla - Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has 11km of ancient defensive walls and is a World Heritage Site; it's also known for its pottery and is close to the picturesque village of Al Hamra.

Jebel Akhdar - Literally meaning The Green Mountain and nearly 3,000m high, the town has date palm groves, valleys and nearby terraced villages such as Bani Habib and Sharijah.

On its northern slopes are the fortress of Al Hazm, built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq, containing the tombs of Oman's early rulers.

On the side of a deep wadi on the south slope of the Jebel Akhdar, sits Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman.

Qurum - It's said to encapsulate Oman's archaeology, history and culture with a museum collection of silver, jewellery, weapons and ancient stone artifacts.

Food in Oman is strong on fish and mutton along with dates, fruits and dried pistachio.

IF YOU GO

Oman can be reached from Australia by Emirates, Etihad and Qantas airlines: see travel agents.

First-class hotels and hire cars are available.

Details of Oman tourist accommodation, attractions and passport/visa requirements: visit Omantourism.gov.om.

- AAP