Tag Archives: Oman

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama with 165 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, offering an elevated experience for business and leisure travelers. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is known for its dazzling mix of old and new, blending its ancient cultural heritage with modern architecture. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Al Hajar mountains and the Arabian Sea, Muscat is a gateway to Oman’s rich history and a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of culture and contemporary comforts. The city offers travelers numerous sights to explore, from Old Muscat, home to the blue-and-gold Al Alam Palace (Sultan’s Palace) to Oman’s largest mosque, the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to historic forts, bustling souks, and beautiful beaches. Nestled in the city center, Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama is the essence of style and comfort, providing easy access to Muscat’s must-see attractions and many shopping destinations. The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tranquil spa, and an inviting indoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a busy day. The hotel is conveniently located just 18km from the international airport, allowing guests to arrive at the hotel in roughly 15 minutes by car or taxi. The hotel offers several dining options, including Al Muzen which features international cuisine in a family-friendly setting and Friends Café in the lobby, ideal for quick bites. For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere, Casa Di Bacco presents an exclusive selection of spirits and cigars. The stylish pool bar offers breath taking panoramic city views, exquisite cocktails, and delectable snacks. With separate spa facilities for men and women, guests can indulge in luxurious massages and treatments, complemented …

Bahwan Travel Agencies Oman, and Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of their strategic technology agreement at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. This renewal marks a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between the two companies, further solidifying their commitment to leveraging latest technology to drive business growth in Oman and the wider region. Under this renewed agreement, Bahwan Travel Agencies will continue to access Sabre’s portfolio of innovative technology, including its intelligent platform Sabre Red 360. This access enables Bahwan Travel Agencies to harness more data and content, providing clients with an expanded choice from over 400 airlines, 1.6 million lodging options, and numerous tour operators, rail, car, and cruise providers. The extensive marketplace empowers Bahwan Travel Agencies to curate and offer personalized travel packages from suppliers around the globe, significantly enhancing the overall travel experience for its customers. “The agreement renewal with Sabre endorses the robustness of our enduring partnership,” stated Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan, Vice Chairperson, Suhail Bahwan Group. “As a pioneer in the travel industry with 50 year’s presence in Oman, we ensure our travel business is empowered by latest technology, innovation and enhanced customer experience. Choosing Sabre as our technology partner is not only a strategic decision but also a logical choice to facilitate the growth of our business, enhance operational efficiency, and consistently add significant value for our customers.” Additionally, Bahwan Travel Agencies will deploy Sabre Automation Hub, Sabre APIs, Automated Exchanges and Refunds, and the Sabre E Ticket Report. These advanced technologies will empower Bahwan Travel Agencies to enhance its online presence, differentiate offerings, and provide customers with a more personalized and seamless travel shopping experience. “Bahwan Travel Agencies commitment to a strong and enduring …

Resorts World Cruises announced that it will be expanding its footprint to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman with the Resorts World One for a 6-month homeport deployment in Dubai, UAE. Starting from 18 October 2024, the Resorts World One will homeport and depart from Dubai to offer a 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise with departures on Fridays; a 3 Night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat departing on Sundays; and a 2 Night Doha Cruise departing on Wednesdays. Guests will have the flexible option to combine two or all three of the itineraries to increase the cruise length to a 4, 5 or 7 Night Cruise. Resorts World One will also add Doha as a homeport during the Qatar school holidays from 24 October to 2 November 2024. During this period, vacationers will have the additional convenience to embark from Doha to enjoy two 2 Night Dubai Cruises (24 and 31 October departures) and two 5 Night Dubai–Khasab-Muscat Cruises (26 October & 2 November departures). “We are excited to introduce the Resorts World Cruises brand to the Arabian Gulf with the Resorts World One cruise ship. As an international cruise line that is homegrown in Asia, we have decades of valuable experience in the cruise and hospitality sector, especially in catering to the needs of different ethnic and religious markets,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “Both cities Dubai and Doha are key international gateways to the Middle East and with the support of the respective local governments, authorities and travel partners, we look forward to further developing cruises to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” he added. Resorts World Cruises operates …

Club Med will debut for the first time in the Middle East in Musandam, Oman. The 300 rooms’ resort will be an Exclusive Collection, the most exclusive and premium line of product of the Club Med portfolio. It offers a refined and authentically luxurious way of living, free from pretension and ostentatiousness while still catering to the standards and needs of an elevated clientele. Club Med Musandam will be carrying a strong flair of the Oman culture, the resort interiors, entertainment and even food and beverages will be inspired by the location, climate, and cultures of the region. The Club Med Exclusive Collection currently consists of 20 properties including: 5 Exclusive Collection Resorts, 10 Exclusive Collection Spaces, 4 Villas and Chalets, and 1 Sailing Yacht, the Club Med 2. Fun family activities creating a warm and inclusive environment together with quiet private spaces will co-exist in a complete vacation offer. For families, this will translate into world-class kids’ clubs with tailored facilities and certified staff for children of all ages, from 4 months old, inspiring curiosity, fun, and friendship. Activities and sports are an integral part of the Club Med DNA and expertise, and active guests can expect a diverse array of land and water activities. One will find sporting sites and professional staff (called G.Os “Gracious Organizers”) who aim to have you discover new sports or improve your skills. With an all-inclusive holiday at Club Med Musandam, holidaymakers can enjoy tennis, paddle tennis, beach tennis, archery, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and paddling over the water. For those looking for a wellness retreat, the Resort will offer a full holistic well-being experience with a real sanctuary to reconnect yourself with …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced a partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in enhancing Oman’s wellness tourism sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 objectives to diversify its economic resources and promote sustainable development. OMRAN Group and Santani Wellness Resorts will collaborate to develop and operate two exclusive wellness resorts located in the serene landscapes of Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate and in Dhofar Governorate with 182 total keys. These luxury destinations are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, offering a sanctuary for transformative wellness experiences while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability. Santani, Jabal Shams will be the region’s first Astro – Wellness Resort, where guests will experience a multifaceted tailored and customised programmes focused on destressing, rejuvenation, and learning, by the award-winning Santani experiences in design, sustainability, community engagement, food, and service. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated, “This partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and wellness. By integrating Santani’s world-renowned wellness philosophy with Oman’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, we are setting new standards for luxury and sustainability in the region.” The collaboration is expected to create significant economic benefits, including job creation, and will serve as a model for sustainable development and wellness tourism in Oman and beyond. The resorts will offer a range of wellness programmes, including stress management, detox, yoga, and weight management, tailored to individual needs, and designed to promote holistic well-being. Vickum Nawagamuwage, Founder and CEO of Santani Wellness Resorts, expressed his delightenthusiasm for the joint venture, stating, “We are honoured …

The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention. Key objectives of the Cruise Arabia alliance include collaboration to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners to the region, improve infrastructure at ports and drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners will also work together on enhancing the regional cruise ecosystem, improving key stakeholder relations, and conducting joint marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. Previously, Dubai and the neighbouring countries have participated in international trade exhibitions as a single grouping under the banner of the Cruise Arabia alliance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The Cruise Arabia alliance will further reinforce Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by our visionary leadership, to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure. The growth of our cruise tourism has been largely shaped by the continuous support of our stakeholders and partners, and this alliance will result in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in Dubai, capitalising on its strategic location and promoting the city’s diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. Dubai and its …

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism Oman hosted the third edition of the “Global Travel Week – Middle East” with 94 tourism specialists from various countries and 31 Omani tourism establishments in addition to hotels. This B2B event is aimed at promoting luxury tourism in Oman. Haitham bin Muhammad al Ghassan, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “This event is a valuable addition to the list of luxury tourism companies and has proven through its previous editions that it adds high value to businesses and companies.” The Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism added that the hosting of this event will strengthen international cooperation in the field of luxury tourism, exchanging experiences and knowledge, and strengthening the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a luxury tourist destination on the global stage. This event enjoys wide participation from experts and specialists in the field of luxury tourism from various countries of the world. (Oman News Agency)

Construction of Bandar Al Khairan Resort worth RO 36m Started in Oman. The resort will include 121 hotel rooms, as well as various types of facilities, restaurants, spas and gyms on an area of 189,000 sqm. A ceremony was held to celebrate the start of construction work of the project which was designed to be a qualitative addition to the tourism sector in Oman. According to Oman News Agency, Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, patron of the inauguration event, said that the project will support the tourism sector in Muscat. Al Mahrouqi added that the resort will meet the aspirations of guests and residents. The Ministry, he affirmed, will follow-up on the implementation of the project to augment local added value and provide job opportunities for Omani youth. The project will provide various opportunities for small and medium enterprises in Al Khairan and adjacent areas to offer their products and services.

Sur in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate  (Oman) was chosen as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2024, during the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in its 26th session in Doha. Acting in cooperation with South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism  organised a media meeting during which it unveiled the executive programme of “Sur, Capital of Arab Tourism 2024”. The Ministry outlined the nomination file and criteria that led to the nomination of the Wilayat of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism.  (Oman News Agency) The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Office said that the executive programme, which will kick off on 25 February, includes various events and activities aimed at highlighting the tourism value of the Wilayat of Sur, as well as its historical role in communicating with cultures and civilizations. The events and activities, which will run throughout the year, are aimed at making Sur a tourism attraction for visitors from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, the office affirmed. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, credited the designation of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2024 to the efforts made by the Ministry and other departments concerned. Those efforts, he said, were in line with the tourism development plans. Submitted to the Arab Tourism Organisation, the Wilayat of Sur’s nomination file received the highest rating because it met specific criteria, which include tourism diversity, the availability of infrastructure and environment conservation, said Al Busaidi, noting that the Ministry lays emphasis on sustainability as the cornerstone of its future action. Al Busaidi added that the designation of Sur as the Capital …

Mowasalat inked a transportation agreement with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) to operate a daily bus between the Governorate of Muscat and the Emirate of Sharjah (To and from) in order to boost tourism between the two cities. The new service aims at expanding the international network of bus transportation between Oman and the UAE, as well as boost tourism between the two countries and provide travel options for people. Moreover, the agreement was signed by Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat and Eng. Yousif Khamis Al Athmane, Chairman of SRTA.