FROM THE SCENT OF FRESH AIR, TO THE SAND BENEATH YOU, THE SULTANATE IS SURE TO PLEASE WITHOUT DEPRIVING THE NEED TO PRESERVE WHAT THE EARTH HAS ENGULFED.

Oman's tourism development has been carefully managed to preserve its natural environment.

Nestled at number 16 out of 145 countries in the World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015, for enforcement of environmental regulations, the Sultanate eco-experiences provides travellers with rare and unforgettable wildlife encounters whilst minimising the impact upon the preserves.

Eco-tourism as an industry has been promoted as a primary objective in Oman's tourist sector, and as such, a top priority for many industry professionals.

Much time and efforts have been dedicated to this segment to ensure it remains a vivid goal, introducing new initiatives to promote the destination's eco-tourism globally, in order to attract visitors and stimulatingly increase efforts for the protection of endangered species.

With this being said, and as new markets now entering Salalah and Dhofar region, Ibrahim Arat, director, sales, Marina Town, Salalah, emphasised as eco tourism being an important factor of Dhofar and Salalah, adding, "Nature is really the number one aspect of this beautiful region. […].

There is an immense eco system, with over 1000 species of birds passing through, […]."

Concurring with Arat, James Hewitson, general manager, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, revealed that the resort works closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, to ensure that they are in line with their efforts to highlight the Dhofar, Salalah and the area's rich biological and cultural diversity.

"We also work closely with the archeological site of Al Baleed which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and all guests staying with us have access […]."