The Rich Cultural Heritage of Muscat

The
country’s rich cultural heritage is well preserved in Muscat's many museums, including:



The Oman Museum, which covers
5,000 years of local history, with displays on shipbuilding, Islam and
fort architecture
Bait
Al Zubair located
within a traditional Omani house, giving insight into Omani lifestyle and
traditions
The Natural
History Museum,
with

Lancashire Tourism Awards 2014

UCLan Tourism recently took part in the prestigious Lancashire Tourism Awards held at Blackpool's famous Tower Ballroom.

Over 600 colleagues from the tourism industry were in attendance at the event, which was hosted by esteemed journalist and broadcaster John Sergeant.

Dr Adrian Ibbetson from UCLan's School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors presented Lancaster House with the Large Hotel 2014 award, whilst Northcote, Langho, received the Small Hotel accolade from Division Leader Jane Shaw.

UCLan were one of the evening's headline sponsors of the Awards, which saw 20 of the region's finest tourism businesses and a Tourism Superstar recognised for excellence in their field. Most of the Lancashire winners now have the opportunity to go on to represent the county in the national Visit England Awards for Excellence 2015.

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: "The Awards are all about our Lancashire tourism businesses and ambassadors, who are simply the best in terms of quality, diversity, endurance and sheer tenacity in creating products, services and experiences that customers come back for time and time again."

Jane Shaw added: "It was a wonderful evening once again and a great opportunity for our Division to network with a range of people from across the Tourism Industry. We're proud to be associated with the Lancashire Tourism Awards and can't wait for next year’s event."

Institute completes research studies

The Institute of Transport of Tourism (ITT) has recently completed two extensive research studies.

Dr Richard Weston (left) and Nick Davies (below) have produced a practitioner manual for the European-funded project 'Greenways Product'. The eighteen-month, international collaborative project was aimed to promote active tourism on European Greenways by marketing tour packages.

As part of the project ITT undertook an extensive review of research on the evaluation and monitoring of walking and cycling resources, which have underpinned the manual for practitioners who evaluate the economic, environmental and social impacts of greenways.

The research will supplement academic papers and Dr Weston hopes to present the findings at next years' 'VeloCity' conference, the international conference for cycling professionals.

To view the manual please click here.

ITT research into European Passenger Rights and Tourism Policy carried out for the European parliament has also been released.

In conjunction with Eurac Research Centre, Bolzano, ITT undertook the study (the first of its kind), to explore the effects of European legislation on Passenger Rights and Tourism Policy.

The research is available here.

Introduction To Oman

 A Unique Culture and Stunning Landscapes


The
second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula (the same size as Germany), Oman boasts a unique culture and
stunning landscapes. Its vast array of natural attractions range from rugged
mountain ranges to ochre deserts. Divers, hikers and history buffs all relish the
pristine local waters, untouched coastline and labyrinthine souks. The
country’s

Prince Harry arrives in Oman for Sultanate's National Day

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi; Undersecretary of Oman Ministry of Tourism greets HRH Prince Harry




Prince Harry arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday 18 November just in time for the Sultanate's National Day, the visit reflects a close personal and respectful relationship that exists between The Royal Families of both countries. The Prince is keen to see and experience the

Oman’s Heritage: Forts, Castles And Towers

From ancient ruins and
Portuguese forts to a gorgeous Grand Mosque, Oman will satisfy even the most ardenthistory addicts.




Ancients Forts



Oman’s heritage is evident in the 500 forts, castles and towers thatshowcase its rich cultural past. Muscat’s
historical port area is the site of the Sultan’s
Palace. Here two Portuguese-built 16th-century forts, Jalali (Eastern) and Mirani (Western)

A Favourite Pastime For Omanis: Horseback Riding

Few scenes evoke wild Arabia as the image of riding horseback across desert dunes. Which makes it no surprise that there's a long tradition of riding in Oman, from show jumping and dressage to endurance racing and simple countryside exploration. 



Horses symbolise integrity and pride. Because of the horse’s high status and appreciation by Muslims, Oman has been famous since ancient times for

Division receives VIP invite to showpiece Awards ceremony

UCLan Tourism's Carley Sutton will be a VIP guest at the prestigious North of England Excellence (NOEE) Awards tonight.

These annual Awards, now in their 20th year, are made to organisations in the Region that have demonstrated they are role models of excellence through rigorous scrutiny by a team of trained assessors. Around 400 business leaders from across the North are expected to attend the event.

Carley's invitation follows continued research and teaching collaborations with Dave Rusk, Director of Education & Training for NOEE.

Event sponsors for the Awards, which are recognised as the business Oscars in the region, include BSI Group and the BBC.

The event takes place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. For further information about the NOEE Awards please click here.

Students visit National Park

First year UCLan Tourism undergraduates recently visited Yorkshire Dales National Park as part of their studies.

The group explored White Scar and Ingleborough Caves for their 'Tourism Destinations' module which is designed to provide the opportunity to study some natural geographical tourism attractions.

The trip also presented them with issues and challenges on sustainability for the two cave attractions with regards to the impacts of tourism. A selection of images from the trip can be viewed here.

The Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism celebrates its 10th Anniversary and record visitor figures at WTM.

At the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Ministry of Tourism's creation, the Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, joined by 21 private sector companies, announced a consistent 10% increase of visitor figures from the UK for 2014.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000

UClan and Merlin deliver Tourism in Action

UCLan Tourism recently provided undergraduates with first-hand industry exposure with one of the largest visitor attraction operators in the world.

First year students visited a variety of Merlin Entertainments attractions in Blackpool as part of the 'Tourism in Action' module, which is designed to directly engage them with industry at a very early stage in their course.

Iain Hawkins, Merlin's Head of Cluster, welcomed the students who then toured a number of Blackpool's leading attractions including Sea Life, Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Tower Dungeons.

The group assessed tourism development and facilities within the resort and the influences determining the success of visitor attractions. It was also an opportunity to develop their research and networking skills.

Student Paul Tully commented: "It was great to see how Merlin operated in Blackpool after finding out so much about them. Please pass on my thanks to Merlin - the staff in the attractions are all excellent representatives and really help make an enjoyable visit."

Course Leader Carley Sutton and Merlin Group have established ongoing work experience and international graduate opportunities for UCLan Tourism students, which could see them progress straight onto the company's 18 month fast-track graduate programme, training to be one of the future leaders of a global business.

Carley said: "I can't thank Iain and his team at the Blackpool Merlin Entertainments cluster enough - our collaborations have allowed our students to take part and be exposed to critical industry challenges within a leading organisation and resort."

Iain added: "It was a pleasure to see the students engage with their tasks. Hopefully it will encourage them all to be the future stars of Merlin!"

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

   THE SULTANATE
OF OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY,

   PAST
ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS DURING WORLD TRAVEL MARKET.



Oman’s Ministry of Tourism tenth anniversary marks its
many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor
growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency
Maitha Al Mahrouqi,

Join the UCLan Tourism Society

The UCLan Tourism Society gives you the chance to enhance your profile through networking opportunities and receive peer-to-peer advice on assignments, placement/work experience searches and university life.

Domestic trips and guest speakers are organised throughout the year. You will be able to share your passion for the tourism industry in a supportive environment.

The Society aims to provide members with a wealth of contacts and opportunities to enable them to succeed in this competitive industry.

Membership is free - to join please click here.

The Society are also looking for a 1st and 2nd year student to assist in the running of the society and communicate with their year group, so if this is something you would be interested in please email Freya Evans.