Tourism in Salalah has evolved significantly over the years, with the city now emerging as a year-round destination. While it was once primarily known for its khareef season, Salalah now attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, including Germans, Italians, Australians and Swiss nationals, well beyond the monsoon period.
The uniqueness of Salalah attracts tourists from other GCC countries, which still experience the harshness of summer, and those from Europe where winter starts settling. Seeking refuge from the harshness of winter in their home countries, they look for Salalah’s mild and green winter. These visitors start flocking to Salalah from September through May.
However, a new trend gaining popularity among visitors is ‘cross-country tourism’. This trend, fuelled by an increasing demand from tourists arriving by charter flights and cruise ships, has opened up exciting opportunities for local tour operators.
According to a tour operator, this demand has prompted his company and others to tailor special packages to meet the expectations of tourists eager for a more diverse and adventurous experience. “We’ve recognised this new interest and developed offerings that take tourists beyond Salalah to explore the stunning and diverse landscapes of Oman,” he said.
Tour operators have cross-country packages that showcase Oman’s rich geography. Tour operator Al Fawaz has a flagship package called ‘Oman Crossing’, which offers an extensive journey starting from the rolling sand dunes of Rimal Al Sharqiya and stretching through the majestic Rub Al Khali desert in Dhofar Governorate, via Oman’s breathtaking coastal terrain. “The package offers our guests the chance to experience Oman’s contrasting landscapes, from deserts to remote coastal areas and mountain villages,” explained a staff member at Al Fawaz. “We provide an immersive experience that includes spending nights under the stars in the desert, interacting with local Omani traditions, and enjoying freshly prepared barbecue meals on serene beaches.”
A typical cross-country tour is customised based on the guest’s preferences and spans six days, packed with activities like desert excursions, ocean swimming, and hikes through scenic wadis. One of the major highlights is a visit to Ubar, the fabled ‘Lost City’, along with witnessing the majestic sunsets over the sand dunes of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).
Another tour operator emphasised that the rise of cross-country tourism is also boosting the local economy, providing new opportunities for local guides and businesses tied to the tourism sector. “It’s a growing market with immense potential... We expect to see even more tourists in the coming years, eager to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness Oman has to offer.”
As Salalah continues to expand its tourism horizons, cross-country tours are rapidly becoming a favourite among those seeking both adventure and tranquillity while contributing to the sustainable growth of Oman’s tourism industry.
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