Magic of Muscat lure for UAE residents, Gulf visitors as new hotel, flight packages are launched

The Magic of Muscat promotion allows UAE-based leisure travellers to take lavish autumn or winter breaks with Oman Air from either Abu Dhabi or Dubai to one of four hotel properties operated by Six Continents Hotels in Oman.

Available from November 2001 to April 2002, the packages will also be attractive to businessmen and conference groups, and to visitors to the UAE from other parts of the Middle East who can now travel onwards to Oman without additional visit visas for the Sultanate.

"Oman is a destination waiting to be discovered and shared," explained Kaare Johansen - Six Continents Hotels' Regional Director of Marketing - Oman, during a press conference at the Holiday Inn Bur Dubai. "We have designed these packages, in conjunction with Oman Air to allow people to explore the beauty of Oman. At a time when people are looking to destinations closer to home, we are making the Sultanate more accessible, "

Each of the hotels taking part in The Magic of Muscat share Oman's azure ocean, rugged Hajar mountains and natural beauty, while all four retain their own features.

The Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel is rated one of the top 20 hotels in the world for its service. Recently refurbished, it fuses Islamic architecture with contemporary state-of-the-art technology. A kilometer of private beach endears the Palace to those in search of privacy and pampering.

Being close to Muscat's main commercial districts, just 15 minutes drive from the airport, the Hotel Inter-Continental Muscat is an ideal location for leisure travelers, business meetings, company conventions, gala dinners or wedding receptions. A comprehensive business service is available and spacious suites with spectacular views offer elegant ambience to both business and leisure travellers.

At the Holiday Inn Muscat both food and fun are key attractions for leisure travellers. From the genteel Churchill English Pub to the Maisalreem Bar and the Sports Bar, complete with big screen viewing of top sports events, it provides for more contemporary entertainment. Health and fitness facilities include a gymnasium, sauna, floodlit tennis court and swimming pools.

The Crowne Plaza Muscat has a beautifully landscaped setting in the prestigious "Qurum Heights" area with the business, diplomatic and shopping districts just moments away by car. Its commanding cliff top view of the Bay of Oman along with its specially appointed business rooms with allocated office space and facilities make it a favourite with business travellers.

Mohammed Al Shikely, Senior Manager Marketing Planning of Oman Air, the designated carrier of the Sultanate of Oman which today flies to Middle Eastern and several international destinations says there has been a steady increase in visitors from the GCC to Oman. The 2000 figure increased 20% compared with 1999.

"Since inception in 1993 Oman Air has maintained the highest professionalism and service excellence and has introduced innovative options such as the first intra-Gulf commuter service," Al Shikely explains. "The Magic of Muscat offer is another initiative to open the many attractions of Oman to neighbouring countries,".

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