Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has launched a ground breaking campaign to boost travel within Oman over summer, traditionally a time of low travel demand. The Now is the time campaign runs to 30 September (excludes Eid) is designed for Omani families and residents, with participating resorts, hotels, tour companies, restaurants and other service providers cutting rates.

In launching the campaign, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism said “this is defining campaign for Oman. We want more Omani families and residents to take advantage of the record low prices and experience our quality tourism product and services first hand. The Ministry will use every media channel possible to inform the public about the value offers, and this will be backed by a nation-wide road show. The value on offer is unprecedented, stimulate travel and accelerate the development of Oman’s domestic tourism market” she commented.

The Ministry initiative has strong industry backing with the number of companies participating expected to increase as the campaign’s momentum grows. The Ministry has requested best value offers from resorts, spas, hotels, tour companies and tourism service companies. These are the promoted on a dedicated web site designed to assist Omani’s to plan their travel and book directly with the participating companies. Omani residents will need to confirm their residency status to take up the campaign offers. Residents can also subscribe to regular campaign updates.

Mr Christoph Franzen, General Manager of The Grand Hyatt Muscat said Oman’s “tourism operators back the campaign 100%. Summer gives us a window to extend our hospitality and services to Omani families and residents in the most affordable way”.

The Now is the time campaign adds to a range of campaigns managed by the Ministry including the Beauty has an address awareness campaign on BBC Worldwide TV that resumes in mid-August, the 1 Free Night in Oman* stopover campaign with Oman Air, the Cool Destinations on Hotels.Com Arabic, the Muscat 2012 campaign, as well as the Salalah Tourism Festival and Khareef campaigns.