I enjoyed a stimulating overview of responsible tourism by Harold Goodwin
Dr Harold Goodwin of Leeds University gave a talk to the Environment Society of Oman about Responsible Tourism.
Harold Goodwin
This was his first visit into Oman but he was able to give very interesting examples from other countries about how tourism can impact, positively and negatively on people’s lives. He implied that New Zealand was probably the country most successful in branding itself in the field of responsible tourism. Interestingly he also felt Gambia and South Africa were two other countries with a very good approach in the field.
Bag for our guests – Jean & Sally
I try and act in a positive way within the Oman community – in a way that also adds value for our guests. Each person on a holiday with us is given a bag, hand created by the Sidab Ladies Sewing Group – and where possible we have the name of our guest sewn in Arabic.
The Empty Quarter / Rub al Khali offers a great chance to sleep under the stars . On my way to Salalah in Oman , I drove through the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali ) to spend the night there . The coldest I have ever been in a desert was a couple of years ago when the thermometer dropped to 2c . Fortunately, though cold, at about 10c, my night this time wasn’t so bad. However, perhaps because of the chill or because the Moon had set – I woke at about 2pm. Above was a black sky set with diamonds of stars – wonderful.
Rub Al Khali Empty Quarter
Needless to say a dawn climb up an Omani Desert Dune was called for and though not as extraordinary as the night sky – the view at dawn from the top is also breathtaking .
Bees in Dhofar
The next day I arrived in Salalah and amongst other things came face to face with a friend’s Omani Bees . He had moved his hives from the mountains because of the cold and wind – I could understand why.
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