1 FREE NIGHT IN OMAN* OMAN’S CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT STOPOVER VISITORS

1 FREE NIGHT IN OMAN*

OMAN’S CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT STOPOVER VISITORS

·         Oman Air, Oman’s Ministry of Tourism and tourism stakeholders have joined forces to launch a campaign to entice passengers on Oman Air’s international network to stopover in the Sultanate.

·         For the period up to 22 December 2012, stopovers can be booked on Oman Air’s international services with participating resorts and hotels offering a free night and breakfast for bookings of two to three days, with some properties offering further incentives.

·         His Excellency Abdulmalik Al Khalili, Oman’s Minister of Tourism said “the 1 Free Night in Oman* campaign sees our national carrier and industry working together on a powerful campaign. It demonstrates the industry is thinking and acting tactically to grow business and generate more jobs in the tourism and transport sectors” he said.

·         Wayne Pearce, Oman Air’s Chief Executive, said “the campaign is well timed and adds value to our passengers. It will attract new business to the airline and Oman. It shows consumers we are working together as a destination and this will add to the airline’s and destination’s competitiveness level”.

·         The 1 Free Night in Oman* campign adds to several other tourism campaigns launched in recent months including a global awareness campaign on BBC Worldwide television and web sites, the Oman Air and Ministry of Tourism Pan European campaign now being rolled out, and the Muscat Arab Tourism Capital 2012 campaign launched last month.

Muscat 7 February 2012. Oman’s national carrier Oman Air along with Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, resorts, hotels and tour companies have joined forces to launch a 1 Free Night in Oman* campaign to entice stopovers on Oman Air’s international network. The campaign is the first of its kind for Oman and runs from 1 February to 22 December 2012 with the offer available on all classes of travel.

His Excellency Abdulmalik Al Khalili, Oman’s Minister of Tourism said “the 1 Free Night in Oman* campaign brings the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Air, accommodation providers and tour companies into a high profile tactical campaign. It shows that our industry stakeholders can see and chase down strategic opportunities. In this case, tapping Oman Air’s growing transit market will benefit the airline, the tourism industry and generate more jobs in the tourism and transport sectors”.

Oman Air’s international network is now firmly established with Muscat recording solid transit passenger growth in the last year. The stopover campaign’s launch follows Oman Air’s entry to Zurich and increased services to South East Asia. The Campaign start also overlaps the start of a new season of performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat, and the 2012 Muscat Festival.

The Minister said “the 1 Free Night in Oman* campaign is a major development for our industry. It gives tourism operators the opportunity to develop business across Oman Air’s growing international network, as well as the potential to win over the large number of travelers who pass through the Gulf to now consider an Oman stopover” he continued.

Oman Air’s Chief Executive Wayne Pearce said “the campaign is well timed and takes advantage of Oman Air’s international strategy and growing transit passenger market. The campaign adds value to our customers and will attract new business to the airline and Oman. It clearly demonstrates the synergy of the airline and destination joint promotion and enhanced competitiveness, enticing transit passengers to stop over and enjoy Oman”.

The campaign will be promoted by Oman Air’s agents, Oman Air Holidays, the Ministry of Tourism and participating resorts, hotels and tour operators.

Contact:

Oman Ministry of Tourism: Peter Keage, Oman Tourism, peterk@omantoursm.gov.om, Telephone +968 2458 8831

Oman Ministry of Tourism UK Market based representative: Alison Cryer, Director UK & Ireland, oman@representationplus.co.uk, tel. 0208 877 4505/24

Notes

·         1 Free Night in Oman* terms and conditions apply. Check with Oman Air or with your local agent/tour operator for details or refer to: http://holidays.omanair.com/wy/oman-air-holidays/oman-stopover

·         The Royal Opera House Muscat performance program is available at www.rohm.org.om

·         Muscat Festival details can be obtained from www.muscat-festival.com

·         Muscat 2012 details can be obtained from www.muscat2012.om

Why over 100,000 British people visit Oman every year

Why over 100,000 British people visit Oman every year

The Sultanate of Oman, celebrating 42 years of Renaissance, has so much to offer that it is hard to know where to begin. There are literally hundreds of attractions in this country – and the diversity of choice will make almost any length of holiday seem too short to take everything in. Here are just 10 of the most popular things visitors see, do and experience to get the most from their visit.

The vibrant capital of Muscat…Selected as the Arab Tourism Capital 2012, Muscat’s charming beauty, cultural events, luxurious accommodations, The Royal Opera House Muscat, the Muttrah Souq and Corniche, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, aquatic activities, and wild water sports bracing its coastline alongside traditional dhows are some of the features that appeal to all tourists. What is striking about Muscat is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. You will see authentic houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads side by side with modern malls buildings and streets. This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoy its contemporary spirit. Oman has developed its own architectural style that allows its historic buildings to blend comfortably with modern edifices.

100% Pure Luxury…Oman is keen to meet the demand for luxury travel. The Chedi Hotel and Spa Muscat has led the way for some years with its award-winning service and new spa complex in the sophisticated GHM style. The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort has an extensive CHI spa themed around a Chinese wellness philosophy based on the five elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood, and Himalayan treatments feature alongside Omani healing practices. The spa at the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay is a sensuous oasis. Built beside a little wadi, it has two Arabian hammams, a Thai massage room and luxurious treatment rooms offering everything from holistic massages to rose milk baths. The completely refurbished Al Bustan Palace Hotel is more than ever synonymous with luxury. Oman has also invested in

creating top golfing facilities and sporting venues to accommodate their sporting tourists, the facilities have already been used for regional competitions, such as Almouj Golf at The Wave. New luxury mountain View camps opened in 2011: The View and the Sahab in Jabel Akhtar.

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Desert Camping…The vast expanse, emptiness and silence of the desert is an antidote to modern living. Fall in love with the beauty of the desert at night, as the sand cools and a million stars come out. Experience the thrills of dune driving and learn more about the Bedouin people. Glamorous camping in luxury tents is the best way to experience the culture and unforgiving sandy expanses with the comfort of modern conveniences at the Desert Night Camp or for a unique experience try Hud Hud Travels’ bespoke camps where Oman becomes your empty map for a one-off adventure. If you prefer, Oman also offers a host of traditional camping opportunities for visitors to experience the desert in its purist form.

New Cruise destination... The cruise industry is booming in Oman, with 40% more ships set to dock there this year, helped of course by the opening of a new cruise terminal at the Mina Sultan Qaboos port in Muscat. Visit Oman for any number of nights as part of a Middle East cruise to enjoy Muscat’s many delights alongside its Arabian peninsula counterparts. Cruises in Oman are an inseparable part of its history. Oman is surrounded by the sea and Omanis are famous for their love of their azure waters. Cruises abound from many beaches and cities, and there are specialised centres such as: Marina Bandar Al Rawda in Muscat Governorate. Many tour operators organise a variety of activities, whether it is watching dolphins or sailing. These tours are not limited to the capital Muscat, as both Musandam and the city of Sur in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate (Eastern Region) are famous for their marine trips. There is barely a beach in Oman that does not organise such trips.

6000 years of History and Culture… The ancient ramparts of Bahla Fort, Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the carefully preserved Jabrin Castle dating from 1670, or the art of Dhow building that has come down through generations of Omanis, all help visitors to relive the glory of an ancient civilisation. Explore a land where Shahrazad’s stories from ‘1001 Nights’ or the legendary Sinbad the Sailor come alive and visit hundreds of castles, forts and archaeological sites steeped in mythology. 24 of the 500 Omani forts have been renovated including one currently being turned into a boutique hotel.

Warm Welcoming People… Omani people are characterised by a broad smile and authentic Arabic generosity. This is evident in Omani hospitality which is widespread throughout the country, with every

person you meet making you feel at home from your arrival at the airport to farewell by the taxi driver and hotel staff.

Fjords of Arabia…The Musandam Peninsula is a rugged and starkly beautiful region. Musandam overlooks

 the straits of Hormuz, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The natural beauty of this region is

Breathtaking with the cliffs of the Hajar Mountains falling steeply into the Arabian Sea from a height of almost 2,000 metres.

Unique Frankincense from Salalah…Once considered more precious than gold; this aromatic gum resin makes for ideal gifts and souvenirs and the Omani variety is considered the best in the world. Frankincense is a symbol of life; or rather it is life itself, for the Dhofari people. It is not a mere tree, but an embodiment of Omani culture, history, sociology and geography. Its lingering perfume can be enjoyed throughout the country. Salalah, in the South of Oman on the Indian Ocean, is famous for its Frankincense trees as well as being a truly unique and beautiful place. The climatic factors make Salalah a magical spot and visitors marvel at the monsoon season which creates a lush carpet of nature against the steep mountain views. Frankincense is also used in the production of Amouage Perfume, with the factory in Muscat being open to visitors.

Nature, Wildlife and Adventure... Oman has a rigorous ‘green’ policy and a fascinating array of animals thrive in the many protected areas. Oman features and protects five of the world’s seven species of turtle, each year green turtles nest on Omani beaches, visitors can watch as these tiny creatures hatch between September and November in Raz al Hadd. Approximately 400 birds have been recorded in Oman including many migratory species. With its 1700 kilometres of unspoilt coastline and beaches Oman offers so many opportunities for adventure; visitors are rewarded with the sight of dolphins and whales, divers also enjoy moray eels, corals and a spectacular array of tropical fish. Not to mention the chance to participate in water sports, fishing, sailing, climbing, trekking, caving, horse and camel racing and off-road driving.

Responsible and Sustainable Tourism…Oman has embraced responsible tourism and has been awarded the accolade by the United Nations Environmental Programme of having one of the best records in environmental preservation. Not only have the government put in place firm environmental laws to protect the beautiful landscape and architectural sites but they have also started many projects which are aimed at protecting endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx; and protecting Ras Al Jinz to be used solely for turtle breeding. Hotel groups have also started their own initiatives by recycling and limiting washes and waste.

For more information please contact:

Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland

Sangita Makwana/Alicia Iglesias Cortes

Tel: + 44 208 877 4503/4 Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

Sweeping visa changes welcomed by OMAN’S tourism sector

sweeping visa changes welcomed

by OMAN’S tourism sector

The Sultanate of Oman has made sweeping changes to its visa arrangements to lure more tourists. The new arrangements (of immediate effect) include an OMR 5 fee for a single entry tourism visa (Group 1 countries) for up to 10 days (a decrease of 75%) while cruise arrival visas are free up to 24 hours or OMR 5 for multiple visits The OMR 20 for a single entry for up to a month remains in place.  

Maitha Al Mahrouqi, the Undersecretary of Tourism says “this is great news for Oman’s tourism industry and our international travel and tourism trade partners. The government has moved proactively to improve Oman’s competitiveness in stop-over, short-stay and conference tourism. The changes also encourage travel to Salalah and other regional destinations, and conference organisers to consider Oman as an event location”.

The Ministry of Tourism sees the new arrangements as an important structural change to boost Oman’s tourism performance. In the short-term, the Ministry expects a lift in leisure and short stay visits. Oman Air’s rapidly growing passenger transit market is also of interest to Oman’s tourism industry. For the year ending September 2011, the transit market was around 787,000 passenger transits and it is growing at around 19% per year. This includes around 80,100 premium travellers.

Oman is also seeing a boom in cruise ship activity and the new visa arrangements strengthen the case for cruise lines to consider Muscat for crew and passenger exchanges.

Maitha Al Mahrouqi, also comments: “The changes will be welcomed by the global travel and tourism trade. The changes make Oman very attractive for the growing stopover, business and cruise passenger

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segments - areas of great potential. The changes also open up possibilities for a wide range of trade and consumer tactical campaigns, including our stopover campaign with Oman Air” she commented.

The reforms follow the launch of the Ministry’s Oman global awareness campaign on BBC Worldwide television and web sites, the Arab League Tourism Ministers’ declaration of Muscat as Arab Tourism Capital in 2012, and the launch of Oman’s 1 Free Night in Oman* stopover campaign with Oman Air.

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For more information about Oman please contact:

Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland

Sangita Makwana/Alicia Iglesias Cortes

Tel: + 44 208 877 4503/4

Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

HOLLYWOOD STARS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

HOLLYWOOD STARS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

        24-31 March 2012

Hollywood stars and filmmakers, a total of 90 participating countries, 150 movie entries and a retrospective on Sir David Lean are just some of the highlights of this year’s edition of the Muscat International Film Festival held from 24 to 31 March in the Sultanate’s pulsating capital.

Aimed to enhance the talents of the local Oman cinema, the Festival is also open to foreign filmmakers and more than 90 countries, including the UK, USA, France, Japan, Egypt, China, Morocco, Syria and Iran; will be participating this year. Hollywood stars such as Jackie Chan, Vin Diesel, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver and director Darren Aronofsky are some of the stars expected to be under the spotlight together with Bollywood, Kollywood, Malayalam and Arab World celebrities.

A retrospective on Sir David Lean, best remembered for big screen epics such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Doctor Zhivago” and “A Passage to India” will feature two world famous actors, Omar Sharif and Victor Banerjee. Omar and Victor, who have acted in Sir David’s movies, will lend their insight into the glorious past and the golden film era.

The Opening and Closing nights, held at Grand Hall of the Sultan Qaboos University will be packed with entertainment including exclusive performances from Nancy Ajram , the Arab singing sensation, Tito Seif, famous belly dancer, Lucky Ali, Hindu soul singer and Salah Al Zadjali, Omani singer.

This year’s festival edition, full of exciting news, coincides with Muscat’s celebrations for being awarded the Arab Tourism Capital 2012. The Sultanate’s capital, considered the pulsating heart of Oman, offers an invigorating travel experience as well as a range of enchanting activities.

For more information about Oman please contact:

Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland

Sangita Makwana/Alicia Iglesias Cortes

Tel: + 44 208 877 4503/4

Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

http://www.muscat2012.om/muscat/index.html

More information about the Festival on: http://festival.omanfilm.net

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SINBAD AND OMAN’S ANCIENT SEAFARING TRADERS

 Every year more than 200,000 passengers cruise along the coast of authentic Arabia, once explored buy the legendary Sinbad the Sailor. Oman is fast becoming the most visited Gulf Cruise destination and it is easy to see why; Oman boasts  three leisure ports; Muscat, Salalah and Khasab all within reach of a staggering array of natural attractions from dry desert conditions, to luscious forests and emerald seas as well as numerous World Heritage Sites and enchanting traditions.

The three very different ports, each offer something unique. Port Sultan, Muscat, Arab Tourism Capital 2012, on the Arabian sea is home to a fusion of the old and new. Passengers can stroll from the port into the old town and climb 100 steps to Muttrah Fort’s Watchtower. Silver, gold, myrrh, frankincense and spices line the labyrinth of streets below in Muttrah Souq ready for purchase. Day trips can be organised to visit the birthplace of Oman and the ancient capital, Nizwa, only 2 hours from Muscat. Travellers can discover the mountain town by ambling through the silver souqs and visiting the country’s biggest fort. The Friday Goat Market is also a lively and must-see event whilst visiting Nizwa.

South of Muscat, the India Ocean Port, Salalah is also a popular cruise destination due to its distinct and dramatic surroundings. Every corner and crevice is adorned with luscious green vegetation rendering it unique to Oman. Filled with village culture, Salalah is the capital of ancient Arabian frankincense trade and the reputed home of the mighty Queen of Sheba. Passengers can come ashore and view the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace at Khawr Rawri, or the ancient relics of the Al Balidarchaeological site. Dune bashing and caving in the Empty Quarter is a popular activity as are day trips to Mughsail Beach to watch the blow-holes spurt sea spray.

Travelling North of Muscat, the Musandam Peninsula is a rugged region with towering cliffs and narrow inlets. Cruise liners can stop at Khasab port and explore the Khor Ash Sham fjord where mountains plummet into the Arabian Sea. Visitors can taste the regions dates and drink kahwa – hand-blended coffee with cardamom – whilst admiring the humpback and bottlenose dolphins skimming the ocean surface or visit on a traditional Dhow Cruise the Award Winning Khasab Fort.  

The Sultanate is a truly unique and invigorating experience, offering a range of enchanting activities rendering it a must-see cruise stopover. Oman Air’s outstanding collection of non-stop flights to 41 international destinations makes it an ideal pre or post cruise destination.

For more information about Oman:

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om