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Thousands of people from various GCC citizens and other parts of the world spent the Eid Al Adha holidays in the unspoilt beauty of the Sultanate, taking benefit from the facilities provided by the local authorities to boost tourism in the country.
"Hotels in Muscat were nearly full during Eid festivities, say even slightly more than last year," Sanjiv Tandon, sales director of the 217-room Sheraton Hotel told Gulf News. "Our average occupancy was more than 90 per cent."
He said the majority of travellers were expatriates from the UAE, driving down to the neighbouring country due to easing of travel restrictions.
He said not only has the entry procedure been simplified for the GCC residents, the visa fee has been reduced to three riyals from seven. "We are in for a bright future."
Malik Al Hinai, marketing manager, Grand Hyat Muscat, which was opened four years ago, sounded even more enthusiastic. "We were 100 per cent full - even minus".
He endorsed Tandon's version that the travellers were largely from the GCC states, the UAE in particular. "The modern road link between Oman and the UAE has given a new edge to tourism at both ends."
He said the inland tourism in Oman was also gathering pace and this was duly reflected during the Eid holidays. "Our good many guests were fellow citizens coming from various parts of the country.''
According to reports, there was unusually long queues at the Wajajah Post, bordering Hatta in Dubai, which is being extended to cope with the growing rush, as thousands of people, mostly expatriates, drove down to spend the Eid holidays in the UAE, carrying road permit. Some had to wait for four hours for clearance.
"It was still worth going toDubai, a place growing by leaps and bounds to cater to the needs of all kinds of travellers," said Ashok Swarana, an office-bearer of Indian Social Club, which is organising 'The Mega Pop Show', featuring Indian stars Sukhbir, Aniada, Shaan and D.J. Aqueel this Thursday at the City Amphitheatre in Qurum.
The Eastern Natural Forest Snake Park, the only of its kind in the Gulf, was one of the most populated during the Eid holidays. "We entertained more than 17,000 reptile lovers in four days," remarked Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Harthy, the founder of the park, rather gleefully... "We are going to import some 60 types of big snakes from North and South America next month."
Office-goers were greeted yesterday by a bright sunshine which has been the hallmark of this outgoing dry winter.
"The rain has been far and few this season as well, prompting special prayers," said Hamid Al Badi, of the Meteorological Office in Seeb.
He disclosed that Muscat's four-year dry spell was broken on January 13. Since then it has drizzled on four different days, the last one being on February 20. "Indications are that the next winter will be fairly wet. Let us hope for the best."
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