Oman launches discount visas and stopover offers

Oman’s officials are introducing discounted visas and offers in a bid to capitalise on Muscat’s status as the Arab Tourism Capital 2012.

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi said, “In support of Muscat’s nomination, the Government of Oman has taken the initiative of introducing discounted tourism visas. In addition, major hotels and Oman’s national carrier, Oman Air, have joined forces to launch a value-based stopover campaign – 1 Free night in Oman - your Muscat 2012 invitation.”

The Ministry of Tourism is pitching its Muscat 2012 campaign at Oman Air’s international transit passengers and the GCC short-break market. The campaign includes stopover offers and is complemented by a year-round calendar of cultural and sporting hallmark events and value offers to attract visitors.

The event calendar also features the World Cup qualifier between Oman and Australia on June 8 in Muscat, with a weekend package to the game being sold through Oman Air Holiday offices in the GCC. The Ministry is promoting the event directly to Australian business groups in the Gulf.

The World Cup qualifier will be closely followed by the 2012 Salalah Tourism Festival from 21 June to 18 July. The Ministry sees the 2012 Festival and the Khareef, running until September, as the best time to escape summer’s heat and enjoy family time. Oman Air operates daily Boeing B737 services between Dubai and Salalah.

“The 1 Free Night in Oman - your Muscat 2012 invitation is a value-based tactical campaign that we hope will be attractive to first and seasoned long-haul travellers that have not tasted Oman. Our resorts and hotels are extending the campaign their full support,” concluded Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi.