Oman Tourism

Welcome to the January issue of the Oman Tourism, e-newsletter for the Gulf region’s travel trade

On behalf of all of us at Oman Tourism, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

This month’s issue continues to provide news, information and offers for travellers planning to visit The Sultanate of Oman. As we look ahead, at the beginning of 2007, we are confident that Oman will continue to increase in popularity, not just for travellers from long-haul markets, but also for GCC residents who want to enjoy all that Oman has to offer. Muscat & Salalah are perfect for a short break and there is plenty to keep everyone busy.

This month we celebrate the start of 2007 with the launch of the Muscat Festival. This edition of our newsletter gives you an insight into what’s happening at this popular event. Looking forward to the summer, we are now starting to prepare a marketing campaign which will attract more visitors to Oman from June to September.

There is a misperception that the summer is not an attractive time to visit our beautiful country. In fact, with a wealth of ‘cool’ activities, from scuba diving & deep sea fishing to mountain trekking and turtle watching, the hot temperatures should not necessarily discourage travellers from visiting Oman. In fact, we are confident that our planned activities, coupled with some great hotel and resort offers, should make Oman a truly desirable destination this summer. We will provide you with more information over the coming months.

Muscat Festival 2007 – Living Culture & Family Fun

Until the 2nd February, The Muscat Festival celebrates Oman’s tradition for arts, culture and heritage, while at the same time, providing people in Oman with a great opportunity to have fun, and enjoy the adventure, excitement and entertainment of this spectacular event. Since it began in February 1998, the Muscat Festival has continued to grow in popularity and today attracts visitors from all over the world. If your clients are planning a short break this month, then Muscat is sure to capture their imagination. In addition to all the usual activities available, they can also visit and participate in many of the great attractions on offer.

The cultural programme ranges from seminars at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on ‘self-development initiatives for children’ to a wide range of activities at the Family Village, where visitors can experience the Fish & Marine Life Exhibition or enjoy an introduction to Omani handicrafts.

The main show ground at Qurum National Park, will be alive with activity until late at night. Visitors can experience the Omani Cultural Village with live demonstrations of Bedouin life, or enjoy the International Theatre, where performers from many countries, including: China, Syria, Yemen, Tunisia & Malaysia, have been brought in to provide spectacular entertainment.

This year, the Muscat Festival promises to be one of the major events in the region and the largest in Oman. Encourage your clients to join in the celebrations and visit Oman this month. For further information on the Muscat Festival, visit the website. www.muscat-festival.com

Gulf Air, Gold Sponsor of Muscat Festival 2007

For a second year in a row, Gulf Air will be the Gold Sponsor of the Muscat Festival. Following the successes of the event over the past years, Gulf Air is taking its participation to a higher level in 2007. The airline will have a large stand in a prime location, housing an interactive football game, celebrating its sponsorship of the Oman National Football Team. A Gulf Air hot-air balloon will rise above the main show ground and some of the airline’s fleet, flying into Muscat, will also bear the festival banner. Visitors to the fun-filled event will get a “close to reality” experience of driving a Formula One Grand Prix car, but in F1 simulators.
The fun-filled event will also feature Gulfy, the airlines cute and cuddly mascot, at the stand located at the popular Al Qurum National Park.

The stand will also showcase many of Gulf Air’s unique, award-winning products and services. The selling of Gulf Air branded Oman Football merchandise will take place on the stand, as will the appearance of some of the Oman national football team’s top players.

For further information about Gulf Air’s activities at The Muscat Festival, visit www.gulfairco.com

Oman Tourism prepares to launch its official Travel Portal, showcasing all that Oman has to offer

Oman Tourism is in the final stages of launching the anxiously awaited travel portal. Over the past couple of years, The Ministry of Tourism has been developing a sophisticated, but easy to navigate electronic guide, to all that The Sultanate of Oman has to offer. The Ministry recognises the importance of effective destination marketing in order to stimulate increased awareness of the products & services available to visitors to Oman. Today the internet has become an invaluable source of information. Virtually every country in the world has internet access and the growth of internet usage in the GCC is one of the fastest in the world. Oman Tourism will launch its travel portal soon. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.omantourism.gov.om or by contacting Mark Senior by e-mail: mark@afkarmarketing.com

Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre launches its newly refurbished traditional dhow

No visit to Oman is complete without a leisurely cruise on a traditional Arabic dhow. Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre invites your clients to gently cruise the spectacular coastal waters of Muscat on a newly refurbished traditional dhow. They can admire the rugged coastline of Muscat as they enjoy an Arabic-style buffet lunch. At 61ft and with capacity for up to 60 people Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre’s luxury dhow is furnished with majilis sets and carpets and equipped with toilets, shower and a galley. The dhow is very versatile and suitable for a whole range of corporate and leisure activities. These range from business and incentive excursions, private charters, overnight stays, as well as the lunch time leisure cruises that run daily from 11am-2pm.

For more information and to book, contact Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre sasha@holiday-in-oman.com or www.holiday-in-oman.com (tel: +96824485663)

	Musandam Sea Adventure Tourism offers quality tailor-made travel services around the Musandam Peninsula Musandam Sea Adventure Tourism is one of the leading inbound tour operators in the Musandam region of Oman. They provide destination management services to the travel industry across the GCC and Europe. Musandam is renowned as being one of the most valuable jewels in Oman’s crown. The rugged coastline, majestic mountains, protected sandy coves, make Musandam an exciting extension to any visitors itinerary. Khasab, meaning fertility, is a peaceful town lying in a small harbour at the base of Wadi Khasab in Musandam in the north of Oman. Khasab overlooks the pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Straits of Hurmus.
The land in the area is rich with an abundance of fresh water. Khasab’s population of only 24,000 people increases during the summer, as villagers from the vast surrounding mountains relocate to the town for fishing and to harvest dates. Musandam Sea Adventure Tourism offers a wide range of services from tranquil dhow cruises around the majestic fjords, to dolphin watching, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and mountain trekking. Further information can be obtained by visiting their website. www.msaoman.com

The Al Bustan Palace Hotel & The Sheraton Oman close for major refurbishment

The Al Bustan Palace Hotel is now closed for major refurbishment until December 2007. Renowned for being one of the most prestigious hotels in the region, the resort will undergo a complete renovation, with a new lobby, sumptious guest rooms, new restaurants and a luxurious spa. The Sheraton Oman is scheduled to re-open in October. The hotel will also undergo a major refurbishment, providing the property with the modern facilities and quality services expected from a premier corporate hotel. Further information can be found by visiting the respective websites. www.ichotelsgroup.com and www.sheraton.com

Oman Tourism promotes short breaks to Muscat and Salalah on Citruss TV

During the month of January, Oman Tourism is sponsoring a travel programme on Oman, being aired daily on Citruss TV. Broadcast in Arabic and attracting an audience of more than 250,000 viewers, Citruss TV is available across the GCC on ‘free to air’ NileSAT.

The travel programme offers an insight into what Oman has to offer visitors from around the region and focuses on short breaks to Muscat and Salalah.

Viewers are invited to call the Citruss TV call centre which channels calls through to Dnata Holidays in Dubai. Their professional sales consultants are on hand to advise clients on a variety of packages that are available to suit all tastes.

Winter Weekend Breaks in Salalah – there has never been a better time to getaway.

Salalah enjoys average daily temperatures in the mid 20’s centigrade. With sunny skies, beautiful beaches and the clear warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, Oman’s second largest city offers plenty to see and do. If your clients want to relax and enjoy great hospitality, then Salalah offers a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. The luxurious Hilton and Crowne Plaza Resorts provide guests will spectacular views of the Arabian Sea from their beach front locations. For the more adventurous, guests can explore the countryside around Salalah. The magnificent mountains are only 30 minutes from the city and a day trekking enjoying the magnificent views is well worth effort.

Salalah is also home to some of Oman’s most ancient archaeological sites. Different civilisations have succeeded each other here and the ruins of the ancient cities of Al Blaid and Samhuram date back more than 3,000 years.

Oman Air Holidays offers great value packages to Salalah, on their non-stop services from Dubai or from other points in the GCC via Muscat. The following packages are for a minimum of two nights and include flights from Dubai, hotel accommodation with breakfast and private car transfers. The prices are also based on two people travelling together. Taxes and surcharges apply.

Haffa House Hotel, Salalah – AED 780 per person
Hilton Resort, Salalah – AED 1060 per person
Crowne Plaza, Salalah – AED 1345 per person

In the UAE, contact Oman Air Holidays on: +971 4 352 1777 or elsewhere in the GCC, call the local Oman Air office.

The Hilton Resort offers great rates at weekends from only US$210++. Further information can be found from their website www.hilton.com

The Crowne Plaza Resort offers great rates at weekends from only US$200++. Further information can be found on their website: www.crowneplaza.com

Oman Destination Management Companies

Whether you are a tour operator, travel agent or M.I.C.E. planner, finding the right partner for your ground services requirements is very important. Each month we will provide you with contact details for the destination management companies in Oman, in alphabetical order. Also, we are inviting destination management companies to provide us with product information to share with you.

Airborne Travel & Tourism P.O. Box 167 Postal Code 112, Ruwi Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 479 295 Fax: +968 24 482297 Email: faisal@airbornettc.com Website: www.airbornettc.com	Bahwan Tours P.O. Box 282 Post Code 113, Muscat Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 704 455 Fax: +968 24 794189 Email: sanjay@bahwantravels.com www.bahwantravels.com	Eihab Travels P.O. Box 889 Post Code 113 Muscat Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 796 387 Fax: +968 24 793849 Email: inbound@omanvalueholidays.com Website: www.omanvalueholidays.com
Elite Tourism P.O. Box 36 Mina Al Fahal 116 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 485020 Fax: +968 24 485019 Email: elitetor@omantel.net.om	Global Tours P.O. Box 494 Post Code 133, Muscat Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 695 959 Fax: +968 24 695 969 Email: globtour@omantel.net.om	Global Scuba L.L.C. PO Box 309 Madinat Sultan Qaboos PC 115 Sultanate of Oman Tel/Fax: +968 24692346 E-mail: enquiries@global-scuba.com www.global-scuba.com
Golden Oryx Tours P.O Box 1859 Ruwi Post Code 112 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 489 853 Fax: +968 24 489556 Email: info@goldenoryx.com www.goldenoryx.com	Gulf Ventures P.O. Box 985 Ruwi 112 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 706381 Fax: +968 24 796 998 Email: ouatravelcentre@oua.co.om andreasg@oua.co.om	Khasab Travel & Tours P.O. Box 464 Post Code 811 Khasab Musandam Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 26 730 464 Fax: +968 26 730 364 Email: khastour@omantel.net.om www.khasabtours.com
Majan Tours PO Box 488 Ruwi 112 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24700900 Fax: +968 24703922 Majtours@omantel.net.om	Mark Tours P.O. Box 3310 Post Code 112 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 567996 Fax: +968 24 565434 Email: nizar@marktoursoman.com www.mark-oman.com	Mezoon Travel LLC P.O. Box 629 Post Code 113 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 796680 Fax: +968 24 796690/ 24 795721 Email: manoj.dass@mezoontravel.co.om
Muscat Diving & Adventure Center PO Box 552 Al Azaiba PC 130 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24485663 Fax: +968 24485774 E-mail: info@holiday-in-oman.com www.holiday-in-oman.com	Muscat Desert Adventures Tourism Shatti Al-Qurm Al Sarooj Street, Way 3054 Muscat Sultanate of Oman +968 24601800 +968 24 601300 jamal@desertadventures.com www.desertadventures.com	Muscat Holidays PO Box 746 PC 112 Ruwi Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24695991 Fax: +968 24695992 E-mail: info@muscatholidays.com www.muscatholidays.com
National Travel and Tourism P.O. Box 962 Post Code 113, Muscat Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 566046 Fax: +968 24 566125 Email nttoman@omantel.net.om www.nttoman.com	Net Tours Oman P.O. Box 50 PC 131, Hamriya Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 696 941 Fax: +968 24 696 941 Email: netgroup@omantel.net.om	Oman Dive Center PO Box 199 PC115 Madinat Sultan Qaboos Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24824240 Fax: +968 24824241 E-mail: steffi@omandivecenter.com www.omandivecentre.com
Oman World Tourism L.L.C P.O.Box: 133, P.C: 118, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Mob: +968 95051996 Fax: +968 24 69 32 44 Email: issa@omanworldtourism.com www.omanworldtourism.com	Rawabi Desert Adventures Muscat Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 95201107 Fax: +968 24 505664 Email: info@rawabi-adventures.com www.rawabi-adventures.com	Shanfari Travels & Tourism P.O. Box: 783, PC 113, Ruwi Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 00968-24786916,24700268 Fax:00968-24785371 Email: louella@shanfari.com
Zahara Travel and Service Bureau LLC P.O. Box 833 Postal Code 112, Ruwi Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24 692 940 Fax: +968 24 692 950 Email: inbound@zaharatours.com www.zaharatours.com

News items for the next issue

We value your contribution. If you provide hospitality services and would like to update the region’s travel trade on offers and events, please let us have your news. As a reader, if you have ideas for items that should be included, please contact us: oman@afkarmarketing.com

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