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Destination Oman?

Deepak Nair is promoting Oman through his tourism portal, Destination Oman

SUCCESS ABROAD Oman has many attractions

Oman was in the news recently for having deported several Indians for not having proper documents. So, isn't it ironic that an Indian is pushing Oman tourism in a big way through his portal, `Destination Oman'?

Deepak Nair, the founder of Destination Oman says, "Ours is the most popular tourism portal (www.destinationoman.com ) on Oman and it won the Silver Award last year." Not one to stop with starting a website, the 38-year-old who has a Master's degree in Communication and Journalism, has now published a tourism and business guide which is also called Destination Oman.

The guide provides tourists information on every aspect — from getting a visa right down to where one can get the kind of food one is seeking out. Two editions are already on the racks and Deepak is planning to bring it out annually. For those travelling alone, the guide has a list of the English equivalents of the local language, words that will help you get around the country— words like thank you, toilet, taxi or hotel.

"We have even incorporated custom-made postcards in the guide," Deepak Nair says. Good quality paper and attractive photographs complement the simple text, making the guide appealing.

Talking about the country, Deepak says, "Salalah is a beautiful, green and the people are friendly. Most important, it is safe. You can walk alone in at 2 in the morning and yet not feel scared or insecure." Omen sees more of European tourists than Americans, although Oman is `no longer a sleepy country.'

What makes the country unique? "A tourist who makes a trip here gets to see all kinds of landscape — desert, mountain, beach and green vales," says Deepak. The best time is go visiting is between November and January.

Deepak's is a story of triumph over odds. He lost his sense of hearing just after he completed college. But undeterred, he went on to set up his business. "The Internet changed my life," he says.

What does he miss? "Listening to music. I used to sing and loved the songs of Jim Reeves and Kishore Kumar."

PREMA MANMADHAN

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