ETA Ascon forays into Oman travel industry with new acquisition

This marks ETA's first step into the travel and leisure industry of Oman, in line with the company's regional expansion of its travel businesses.

The new company will be managed by Al Maha Travel & Tours, an affiliate of ETA's ANTA Travels, and will continue to be the General Sales Agent in Oman for Swiss International Airlines, Air India and Air India Express.

"With several travel attractions and strong infrastructure, the prosects for business and leisure tourism in Oman is highly promising. Naturally, entering this market is an important business priorty for our expansion in the Middle East," said Mr. B.Ramesh Kumar, Executive Director of ANTA Travel Group. "The ETA brand is already well recognised in the industrial sectors of Oman and now taking our 32 year history in the travel industry to the Sultanate will further consolidate our position as a leading multi-speciality player in the market."

Highlighting the expertise that ANTA will bring to Oman, Mr. Kumar added: "United Travel has a strong 27 year experience in Oman and with this acquisition, we aim to further enhance the agency's operations through the introduction of modern travel management systems and a wider range of travel products and unparalled level of service." Through the new buyout, ANTA will now operate three branches across Oman, two in Muscat and one in Salalah.

ANTA Group was established in 1976 as an independent company under the ETA Ascon Group. ANTA has progressed into becoming a premier business and leisure travel solutions provider in the UAE with overseas branches and associate offices located across India & UAE.
The travel group comprises of an IATA recognised agency and GSA representations for Air China, Air India Express and Thai Airways for Dubai. Recognizing the magnitude and potential of leisure travel in the region, the group launched its destination management division under the brand name of 'ANTA Holidays' in 1986.