(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. While some want to experience the thrill of rock climbing or hiking in the sultanate's rugged mountainous terrain others are drawn to its wadis and deserts.
A group of 52 Dutch tourists who were on a similar mission to Oman last month got the opportunity to drive across the length and breadth of the country on their own.
It was a 12-day trip which ended on October 31 and was part of the Oman Experience 2014 organised by Anwar International Company.
The tourists - most of whom were couples - travelled in around 25 4WDs and made brief stops at Jebel Akhdar Jebel Shams Sur and Sharqiyah Sands.
'The idea is to boost tourism in Oman by using individuals as our ambassadors. We strive to attract more foreign tourists to Oman and help them explore all its spheres. They will in turn advocate the country's beauty when they go back' Musallam al Habsi an official from Anwar International Company which provided the vehicles said.
This is the second time that such an expedition has been organised. 'We focus on high-end tourists. We first give them a general idea about the geographical features of the areas that they intend to explore and the do's and don'ts of trekking. We held the first trip in 2009 and it was hugely successful. It also saw the birth of a new concept of exploring Oman without a guide. The idea is to make our guests discover new areas all by themselves' Habsi said.
According to Habsi after the success of its 2009 tour an increasing number of tourists have been visiting Oman from the Netherlands. The figure has doubled this time he claimed.
Bram Rutgers who led the group and is a dentist said that the expedition was a great experience. 'I am here for the second time but with a different group of people. We do this as a hobby but we benefit a lot. We drive to these places on our own and in the process discover so many good sights' he said.
Piet Boonstra a cardiac surgeon who was on his solo visit to Oman said that the self-driving expedition allowed him to explore major parts of the country within a short span of time.
'I am very impressed with the country's diversity. The country is very rich. We were stunned by the hospitality of the local people and I would definitely love to come back here again' he said.
The tourists made stops at Jebel Akhdar Jebel Shams Sur and Sharqiyah Sands during their 12-day expedition (Supplied photos)
According to Habsi self-driving adventures have proved to be a great idea to market the country. 'The concept is successful and we would love to do this more often' he said.
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