As part of its long-standing commitment to promote Khareef Dhofar and support national interests, Oman Air has implemented several strategic measures to boost connectivity to Salalah. Deploying maximum capacity with as many as 11 flights per day during peak times, the airline has also upgraded a number of flights to wide-body aircraft, leading to an addition of nearly 4,500 seats over the season. In July alone, Oman Air flew almost 50,000 guests into the city, with over 70% using fixed national fare tickets. “Salalah, especially during khareef season, is one of Oman’s most treasured touristic assets. As one of our key sectors, we are committed to supporting and promoting it as a destination in line with the national objectives. This khareef, we’ve deployed maximum capacity to meet demand and offer more frequencies than any other airline,” said Mike Rutter, Oman Air’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Furthermore, to support Omani citizens and ensure that travel between Muscat and Salalah remains both affordable and accessible, we are providing consistent and transparent pricing with our year-round fixed fares, enabling more people to reconnect with loved ones or explore the beauty of the country without the burden of fluctuating fares.” Priced at OMR 54 return during the khareef season and OMR 64 for the rest of the year, the fixed national fare is offered exclusively through the airline’s website and mobile app. While there is no limit on the allocation of Omani national fares, seats are selling fast and guests are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The airline also offers affordable fares for non-Omanis.
Read More »Dhofar Khareef tourist season welcomes visitors until 21 September
Dhofar is poised to welcome visitors from around the world to experience the enchanting Khareef season. Known for its unique weather, stunning landscapes, and a rich array of recreational activities, Dhofar offers an unparalleled escape from the summer heat, providing a serene environment enriched with cool breezes, lush vistas, and cultural diversity. From 21 June to 21 September, Dhofar undergoes a magical transformation during the Khareef season, also known as ‘monsoon’. This period is marked by light rains, intermittent drizzle, and fog that blankets the mountain peaks, with fresh water flowing through springs and waterfalls. The mountains and plains turn a vibrant green, transforming Dhofar into a rare tourist gem with its cool, refreshing climate. Dhofar is home to numerous natural landmarks, including perennial and seasonal water springs, archaeological sites, and pristine beaches. Tourists can explore renowned springs such as Ain Arzat, Ain Jarziz, Ain Sahlnoot, Ain Hamran, and Ain Athum. Additionally, the region hosts archaeological treasures like the Al-Baleed Archaeological Site and Wadi Darbat, known for its waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife—ideal for picnicking, boating, and hiking. This year’s Dhofar Khareef season will feature an array of events and activities that highlight the region’s cultural diversity. Dhofar Municipality has enhanced the lineup with cultural, commercial, and recreational activities, including international exhibitions at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of events, including traditional arts, cuisine, and markets, as well as entertainment for all ages. Highlights include new games at ‘Ittin Square,’ global performances on a state-of-the-art theater, and the largest drone displays ever seen in the region. The ‘Salalah International Cycling Tour’ will return, featuring over 100 cyclists from various …
Read More »SalamAir promotes Khareef Salalah across its network
SalamAir announced its network-wide social media engagement campaign to celebrate the enchanting Khareef season in Salalah, Oman. This campaign aims to gather travelers from around the world in a collective celebration and promotion of Salalah as a must-visit destination during the summer months, renowned for its refreshing cooler weather and stunning natural beauty. We invite all our passengers to capture and share their favorite moments from Salalah during Khareef for a chance to win a free return ticket to any of our destinations! “We are thrilled to reveal this interesting social media campaign, designed to harness the power of our vibrant community of travelers and showcase the enchanting Khareef season in Salalah. By encouraging our passengers to share their personal experiences, we highlight Salalah’s unique beauty and create a deeper connection with our audience and community. This strategic initiative aims to magnify Salalah’s appeal as a premier summer destination, leveraging user-generated content to inspire and attract more visitors to experience its refreshing cooler weather and captivating landscapes.” said Sherif Hosny, Director of Marketing and Digital Sales at SalamAir. This campaign is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity to join a community of travelers who appreciate the unique charm of Salalah during Khareef. Salalah transforms into a verdant city with cooler temperatures, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. By sharing your experiences, you stand a chance to win exciting prizes and contribute to showcasing Salalah as a premier summer destination. Your photos and stories will inspire others to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful city, and promoting it as a must-visit location will aid local businesses, events, and communities to prosper. Now, SalamAir connects Salalah with …
Read More »Oman Air runs up to 26 Flights per day between Muscat and Salalah as khareef tourism surges
With the khareef season in full swing, Oman Air has increased its flights between Muscat and Salalah, reaching as many as 26 per day during the recent long weekend. The airline announced the additions to its schedule in June in anticipation of surging demand for travel over the three-month-long season. With a variety of natural and cultural attractions and visitor numbers growing each year, Dhofar continues to cement itself as a top destination among regional and international tourists. Oman Air is currently the only airline offering wide-body service between Muscat and Salalah, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330, in addition to the Boeing 737. Guests can also choose to book First Class on selected flights and enjoy personalised service and Dine on Demand meals. Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to boosting Oman’s tourism sector, the airline’s global offices have been busy showcasing the highlights of khareef with a variety of awareness campaigns and special offers on fares. With flight timings from early in the morning to late at night, Oman Air ensures convenient and seamless connections from a wide range of international destinations. Khareef operations will run until 15 September 2023. Book now at omanair.com.
Read More »SalamAir inaugurates its first non-stop flights from Bahrain to Salalah to support the Khareef season
SalamAir announced non-stop flights between Bahrain and Salalah. The new service will commenced last week, supporting the Khareef season. The non-stop flight will operate once a week from Bahrain to Salalah every Wednesday and from Salalah to Bahrain every Saturday, In addition to the daily flight via Muscat International Airport. The non-stop flights will offer many opportunities to plan the season’s adventures. SalamAir’s commitment to serving the Salalah Airport is further highlighted by its non-stop flights from Salalah to Muscat, Suhar, Medina, and Calicut. With the addition of the Bahrain route, SalamAir now offers more choices and convenience to travellers. Commenting on the expansion, Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new non-stop service between Bahrain and Salalah. This new route will strengthen the commercial and tourism ties between Oman and Bahrain, and we are proud to be a part of this effort.” Salalah, known for its lush greenery and moderate climate during the Khareef season and its wide variety of hotels and accommodations that can meet different tourists budgets and expectations , is popular among travelers from Bahrain seeking regional adventures. With this new non-stop route, SalamAir aims to provide travelers with a hassle-free and seamless experience, improving connectivity and ease of access for both countries. Now, the SalamAir network consists of 39 destinations; SalamAir flies to domestic destinations, including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Duqm, and Masirah, and international destinations Dubai, Fujairah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Shiraz, Tehran, Mashhad, Istanbul, Rize, Trabzon, Alexandria, Beirut, Almaty, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Prague, Sarajevo, Bangkok, Phuket, Colombo, Chattogram, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Lucknow, Jaipur and Trivandrum. SalamAir flies directly from Suhar …
Read More »Alila Hinu Bay begins preparations for tourism boom ahead of Khareef
Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah is preparing for a 60% rise in stays during the ‘Khareef’ season. Unravelling in mid- June until 31 August, the province will transform into an oasis with light drizzles and cool air. Guests can enjoy the only Monsoon season in the GCC during the summer, while exploring the rolling landscapes, exquisite marines and a plethora of waterfalls. The five-star luxury resort is prepared to embrace the dewy season with experiences and activities in anticipation of attracting new tourists that have never visited the Sultanate before. This is following the recent announcement of visa-free entry for over 100 countries. “With the gaining popularity of the Salalah area, and the incredible transformation that Khareef brings, I am confident that this coming Khareef season will see an unprecedented influx from both GCC visitors, and also new markets. The marvel of Khareef is definitely one to be experienced, and with our once-in-a-lifetime experiences portfolio that highlights the wonders of the season, we are looking forward to welcoming guests from all over to share this with us.” said Juan Paolo Alfonso, General Manager, Alila Hinu Bay. Perched just by the shore in a secluded location which overlooks the shores of Oman’s southwest coast, the resort promises a tranquil escape for all. Alila Hinu Bay delivers a ‘Surprisingly Different’ experience, where guests can enjoy an intimate weekend staycation or a family holiday. For those looking for a refreshing getaway, the resort offers expansive rooms and spacious villas, equipped with a private pool and tranquil outdoor bathtub. Guests can also dine with fresh local produce and ingredients used across the menus at Sea Salt and The Orchard restaurant. The luxurious Alila Spa …
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