Oman’s Tourism Ministry, Oman Air and Muscat’s leading hotels have joined forces to launch the Sultanate’s first pan European campaign. The campaign is a fresh and exciting start for a new era of marketing Oman in Europe.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Undersecretary of Tourism, His Excellency Mohammed Al Tobi said that “the campaign, under the theme ‘Now is the Time!” has been made possible by an unprecedented level of close cooperation and focus, unseen in the industry before. As a result, we have an exciting campaign that positions Oman as a year-round destination underpinned by highly competitive inclusive holiday packages, which include return air fares, accommodation and breakfasts at price points, all of which we see as very good value. I am sure the campaign will generate many first-time visitors to our beautiful country”.

The “Now is the Time!” campaign offers highly competitive 6 and 7-day holiday packages, return air fares and accommodation. Packages are common-rated across Europe. The packages include return air fares, 4 and 5 star twin share accommodation and breakfasts for travel from 12 April to 1October 2010.

Oman’s tourism strategy is aimed at boosting the European market.

His Excellency continued “Our research shows there were close to four million arrivals from Europe to our neighbouring countries in 2009, so our campaign’s objective is to attract first-time visitors as well as those able to include Oman as part of a wider travel plan to the region. Additionally, we see Oman Air’s growing European presence, with non-stop services from London, Frankfurt, Munich and Paris, as an opportunity to develop Muscat as the ‘authentic’ gateway to the Gulf, as Muscat was in the age of sail”.

Oman’s tactical campaign builds on Oman Air’s European expansion, with the carrier allocating a record of 12,000 seats to the campaign, its largest ever commitment to a single promotion.

Peter Hill, Oman Air’s Chief Executive added “Oman Air is totally committed to this campaign which showcases our non-stop services to Muscat and our new Airbus A330 services that are second to none in terms of comfort and hospitality and offer a unique flying experience. The campaign will turn heads and put Oman Air on the map. It comes at a time when we are looking to increase services to Europe”.

Speaking for the hotels involved in the campaign, Arbind Shrestha, General Manager of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa concluded “the campaign demonstrates the industry is working to a single vision, and the synergy it drives will no doubt optimize the benefits to all “
Alison Cryer, Director UK & Ireland announced “The campaign has been well received in the UK and we have already agreed joint marketing activity with Dream Ticket and Lotus and are finalizing proposals from several other tour operators.”

She added: “The UK saw a growth of 9% in 2009 and with this new campaign we are expecting a higher level for 2010”.