Oman’s Ministry of Tourism recently hosted ‘The Stars of Oman’ training programme participants from France, giving them an opportunity to experience the Omani hospitality and get acquainted with the local culture.

Les Etoiles d’Oman (“The Stars of Oman”) is an e-learning training tool for travel agents and tour operators internationally, piloted in partnership with Oman Air. The programme aims to equip travel agents with knowledge about tourism in Oman and develop their skills such that they can better sell the destination. The program was launched in France at the occasion of IFTM Top Résa Travel & Trade Exhibition in 2014.

Thirteen travel agents, who have completed the theory part of the module, were selected from different regions of France to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Oman on a six-night trip. The trip covered all the must visit places in Oman, including a trip to the beautiful village of Birkat Al Mawz, followed by a journey up the curvaceous road to reach Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The visitors spent time in the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ayn that dot the landscape to get a spectacular view of the dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. Some of the other to-do things on the itinerary included, a visit to Nizwa to see the famous Round Tower Fort and the souq; dune driving at Al Sharqiya sands; exploring Sur and its various mesmerising beaches and wadis and gaining insights into the Omani history while in Salalah.

The travellers also got to enjoy an opera performance ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti’ at the Opera House, visit the exquisite Grand Mosque and discover what goes into the making of traditional frankincense.

Speaking about the initiative, Asma Al Hajry, deputy director general international Tourism Promotions, said: “Seeing is believing and we wanted our travel agents internationally to explore Oman and experience the hospitality of our warm people. We are sure our visitors are going back with tonnes of memories, something they would love to share with their friends and clients. Such initiatives serve as a catalyst in bringing more tourists into the country.”

Partners of the ‘Stars of Oman’ programme included Oman Air, Zahara tours, Grand Hyatt, Alila Jabal Ahkdar, Rotana Salalah, Shangri La, Al Bustan, Sahab Hotel, Sur Plaza and Crowne Plaza Salalah. – TradeArabia News Service