History, culture and delicious food: here’s why Italians love visiting Oman
Oman is a fascinating land that attracts thousands of visitors every year, and Italians in particular seem to have a special bond with the country. From its rich history and varied culture to its irresistible gastronomy, Oman offers a variety of experiences that captivate the hearts of Italian travellers.
In this report, the Italian website ‘siviaggia’ interviewed Ahmed bin Nasser al-Mehrzi, Oman’s Minister of Tourism, during one of his visits to Italy, where he spoke about why Italians love his country so much.
According to al-Mehrzi, one of the main reasons is that Oman offers extraordinary experiences to Italian visitors, who are particularly interested in the country’s culture, a unique blend of cultural influences accumulated over the centuries. Italians also appreciate the authentic relationships they can establish with the Omani people, known for their strong bond with their cultural identity. Naturally, Oman’s spectacular nature, which surrounds the country on all sides, is a great attraction.
But it’s not just nature that enchants Italians; Omani culture plays a key role in making this trip an unforgettable experience. Al-Mehrzi added that the capital of Oman, Muscat, has many tourist attractions, such as Marina Bandar al-Rowdha, an aquatic complex with swimming pools, a spa, and the possibility of practising sports such as kayaking and water skiing. Among the historical sites, visitors can explore the National Museum of Oman and the Great Mosque of Sultan Qaboos.
Another reason why Italians love to visit Oman, according to al-Mehrzi, is their passion for the beaches of Salalah, with its glorious sunshine and opportunities for mountain excursions. Salalah is also home to many internationally renowned hotels.
Italian families find Oman a welcoming and safe environment, where children can discover an ancient culture while enjoying activities such as desert excursions and camel rides.
Last but not least, Italians’ love of Omani cuisine is an important factor in the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. Omani cuisine is a blend of foreign flavours and influences, with contributions from the Persian, Indian and African culinary traditions, making it unique.
Among the tastiest dishes are meat broth enriched with tomatoes, potatoes and spices, and maqbous, a rice dish cooked with spices such as turmeric, cardamom, coriander, ginger and garlic, served with fish, chicken or lamb. Another speciality is mishkak, lamb or chicken kebabs marinated in tamarind, chilli and lemon, grilled and served with traditional bread.
