MICE IN MUSCAT

A short haul destination with first class infrastructure and a range of tourism attractions, Muscat the capital city of Oman is fast emerging from the shadows of Dubai as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination for India discovers Inder Raj Ahluwalia

Awaiting visitors, is excellent infrastructure that includes several deluxe and semi-deluxe hotels with ample conference and banqueting space, travel agencies and tour companies, diverse restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a superb road network, excellent shopping, and attractive get-away options. Greatly enhancing all this is the fact that the city is neat and clean, compact, offers a blend of tradition and modern conveniences and is totally safe.

According to Herve Corvest, executive assistant manager, InterContinental Muscat, the hotel and the city in general, offers a perfect setting for corporate meetings because it provides visitors a taste of Arabia in an organised way. Also upbeat about the advantages that Muscat has for the MICE market is Sameera Alghafry of Al Bustan Palace, the city's stunning showpiece, rated among the best hotels in the world. Set in 100 acres of beachside property, Al Bustan Palace creates a dreamy, opulent ambience, while providing state-of-the-art business and conference facilities.

While Muscat's gradually getting worldwide attention, it is a particularly attractive and feasible destination for Indian tourists and business visitors. The reasons for this is quite clear. To start with, Oman and India share several facets of life that extend to similarities in food and eating habits, norms, customs and climate. Add to this is the fact that Muscat harbours a large Indian community that makes for familiar atmosphere, and you realise why Indian visitors feel relatively at home.

Connectivity is another major plus. Unlike other short-haul destinations whose attractions can be enjoyed only after a back-breaking journey, Muscat has superb air connections with India, with several airlines like Oman Air, Gulf Air, Air-India and Indian Airlines linking it with several Indian cities.

After-work leisure hours are well taken care of. Shopping is a major highlight. Visitors find a wealth of items on sale at outlets that range from modern malls to traditional souks strong on atmosphere. Major credit cards are accepted at all big shopping outlets.

The Muscat dining experience is well worth the effort. Restaurants serve everything from Arab and Lebanese food to international dishes and good-quality Indian food, including vegetarian fare.

Several city-based travel agencies organise safaris, car-rentals, and local sightseeing. Renting a car and driving around is a good way to explore several regions of the country. Adventure-minded visitors will revel in the excellent facilities available for diving, snorkeling and dolphin - watching at the Oman Dive Centre, and the desert safari options at places like Wahiba Sands. The city's also a good jump-off point for excursions to the cities of Seeb and Bausher, and the seaside resort of Quriyat.

While the local language is Arabic, English is widely spoken by hotel staff and in the travel industry. The easy-going nature of locals ensures there are no problems in communication. Oman's government has put its shoulder firmly behind making Muscat a major leisure and business destination. Lending their full support to tourism and conference traffic are senior government officials like His Excellency, Abdullah Bin Abbas Bin Ahmed, President - Muscat Municipality and Municipal Council, who's working at further improving local infrastructure in a planned manner and His Excellency, Ali Mohamed Za'abnoot, Director General of Information, Ministry of Information, who's striving for greater business recognition for Oman and the capital city of Muscat.

That their efforts have been successful is seen from the fact that most big hotels are registering 60 per cent plus average occupancies.