Oman Tourism News
Anantara Salalah - Al Baleed Resort set to open in Oman this summer
Dhofar’s newest luxury hotel, Anantara Salalah - Al Baleed Resort, developed by a joint venture between Omran Hotels & Resorts & Musstir, is set to open this summer. The opening will be just in time for the upcoming season known locally as ‘Khareef’, which brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery.
British Airways to launch 787-9 Dreamliner flights to Muscat
British Airways’ new 787-9 Dreamliner will start flying to Abu Dhabi and Muscat from November 5th, 2015. The announcement comes on the back of the airline confirming last month that the first route to benefit from the new aircraft will be Delhi from October 25th.
Khalid Salim Al-Zuhaimi, Oman Expo 2015 pavilion director
Oman is located in one of the driest areas on the planet. With 3,165 kilometres of coastline, lapped by rugged and mountainous lands and deserts, whipped by the sun, the sultanate has faced enormous challenges to ensure that a sustainable and safe food production. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole talks with Expo 2015 pavilion director Khalid Salim Al-Zuhaimi about overcoming water shortages, the role of tourism in the development in the destination and his experience at the event.
Breaking Travel News interview: Khalid Salim Al-Zuhaimi, Oman Expo 2015 pavilion director
Oman is located in one of the driest areas on the planet. With 3,165 kilometres of coastline, lapped by rugged and mountainous lands and deserts, whipped by the sun, the sultanate has faced enormous challenges to ensure that a sustainable and safe food production. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole talks with Expo 2015 pavilion director Khalid Salim Al-Zuhaimi about overcoming water shortages, the role of tourism in the development in the destination and his experience at the event.
Oman unveils pavilion at Expo Milano 2015
Oman has unveiled details of its pavilion at Expo Milano 2015, which runs in the Italian city until October. The pavilion extends over 2,790 square meters and three floors, and is located just at the East Entrance Roserio, quickly recognisable from the architecture of Arab-Islamic medieval forts. The theme of the Pavilion is ‘Heritage in Harvest: Harnessing the sea, sun and sand’ and the exhibition area is divided in four thematic spaces representing water, oasis, sea and domestic traditions.
Oman unveils first glimpse of Milano Expo 2015 exhibition
The Sultanate of Oman’s stunning 2,790 square metre exhibition showcase at Milano Expo 2015 – a collaboration between the ministry of commerce and industry of Oman, Oman ministry of tourism and Oman Air – will present the Sultanate’s ancient traditions and plans for a sustainable future. “Expo is probably the greatest opportunity in the world where we can simultaneously show the main assets of our Country,” said Salim Bin Adi Al Mamari, director general of tourism development, Oman ministry of tourism.
Alila Hotels plans second Oman property in Mirbat
Alila Hotels & Resorts announced its plans to open its second luxury resort development in Oman in Mirbat, east of Salalah, a coastal town in the Dhofar governate, in south western Oman. The development is owned by Alil Salalah, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Fund. Slated to launch in the second half of 2017, Alila Salalah is envisioned as an ecologically sensitive, luxury resort, comprising 100 suites, 25 villas, fine dining restaurants and a Spa Alila wellness centre.
Alcock takes up leadership role for Oman Tourism in Australia
Ben Alcock has been appointed as the new public relations director for the Sultanate of Oman Tourism Australian & New Zealand office. With over 15 years working in the travel and tourism industry, Alcock has worked within all aspects of the industry from product development, marketing, communications and destination promotion having held roles with Virgin Atlantic, Hill & Knowlton, the Flight Centre Travel Group and World Resorts of Distinction.
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre appoints executive team ahead of 2016 opening
A number of senior executives have been appointed to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre team in preparation for the venue opening its doors to the world in 2016. OCEC general manager, Trevor McCartney said the Sultanate of Oman was fast becoming recognised as one of the world’s most exciting emerging convention destinations, with the venue being the catalyst in attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from next year.
Qatar Airways ramps up services to Salalah, Oman
The second largest Omani city Salalah will see Qatar Airways adding four new services by next February. From December the airline is offering three flights per week, and from February 3rd 2015, another additional flight per week will be added. A total of eight flights per week make it even easier and more convenient for passengers to visit this vibrant tourist destination in the Sultanate of Oman.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels to launch three Muscat properties
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East & Africa will open three new properties in the Sultanate of Oman in the coming months, starting with the launch of a global brand first, the 115-key Millennium Executive Apartments property in Muscat, in quarter one of 2015. Two further Millennium hotels will be added to the group portfolio in 2015 in the Omani capital, Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat and Copthorne Hotel Muscat.
Online marketing push from Oman Tourism
Oman Tourism has unveiled a new and improved online agent training program to better support trade partners with destination knowledge and itinerary planning. Released around the Early Bird specials for 2015 the agent training consists of four concise modules, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete successfully, and can be accessed on mobile, iPad and desktop.