Mezoon Travels offers Mauritius holiday packages for 4-nights. Package includes return airfare, transfers, accommodation on half & full board basis, all taxes and service charges for RO 334 onwards. Sightseeing tours can be arranged at extra costs. Tourists from the AGCC citizens can enjoy a visa-free holiday for a period of one month. Air Mauritius operates 4 flights a week from Dubai to Port Louis, the capital and Main Island in Mauritius. For more information call 24796694
(OA/PAC/1-05)

QATAR AIRWAYS to increase Muscat-Doha flights to 11 this summer. The airline plans to increase Muscat-Doha flights to two daily by the year end. It will also offer 3 new routes to Tunis and Algiers from May 2 followed by Athens from June 15. The airline plans to have at least 70 routes by the end of 2005. It recently launched its 60th route from Doha with four flights a week to Osaka in Japan. It currently operates scheduled flights to 60 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and the Far East. New destinations added in recent weeks include Seychelles, Johannesburg, Cape Town, London Gatwick and Beijing. For more information call 24787770
(OA/PAC/11-04)

Oman Air has increased the number of Muscat-Salalah flights from 17 to 21 every week and will also commence flights to Hyderabad and New Delhi from June 2005. It will also fly to Cochin while doubling the daily flight to Mumbai. Oman Air will fly non-stop to Kuwait, Bahrain and Doha. A fifth flight will also be added to the Africa route and it will offer jet services to Dubai. The carrier covers 18 international destinations and two domestic destinations. Its fleet consists of 10 aircrafts - six Boeing B737-800, B737-700NG and ATR42-500s. Oman Air operates direct flights Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait, Dar-es-Salam, Zanzibar, Cairo, Beirut, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Oman Air has recently launched e-booking, e-ticketing and frequent flyers programmes. Ruwi 24750812, 24707222, Seeb International Airport 24519347, 24519591, Khasab 26830487, Salalah 23292777 ext. 102, 23289826, Al Ain 7655517, Abu Dhabi 6266800 & Dubai 3518080, visit us at www.oman-air.com , email: omanairtours@oas.com.om  
(OA/PAC/9-04)

An integrated lifestyle resort to be developed by Dubai International Real Estates Co. in association with Government of Oman for RO3 million at Yiti in the governorate of Muscat. The resort will include a coastal hotel, a health resort and a mountain resort, a golf course, yacht harbour, residential villas and tourism utilities. the project goals included re-planning the village of Yetti and establishing service utilities. It will be the first property to be offered for sale to non-AGCC nationals. The construction of the resort will start by the last quarter of 2005. The 2.6 million square metres resort will be completed in stages by 2007.
(OA/PAC/2-04)

India's first low cost carrier Air Deccan offers Special fares on Delhi-Jaipur one-way for RO 10 plus taxes, Delhi - Amritsar for RO 15 plus taxes, RO 25 for Hyderabad & Goa sectors. Air Deccan also flies to Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and covers 30 airports with 100 flights a day. Air Deccan online tickets can be booked at http://www.airdeccan.net/airdeccan/home.asp other than internet, tickets in oman can be booked through Shanfari Travel and Tourism, Shatti Al Qurum 24601081/82, Fax 24601061, Ruwi 24700268, 24789812, Fax 24785371, Salalah 23297687, Fax 23294792, E-mail touroman@shanfari.com  Visit us at www.shanfari.com   
(OA/PAC/2-04)

Low cost carrier Air India Express to start flights from April 28. The three sectors are— Thiruvananthapuram-Abu Dhabi-Muscat, Dubai-Kochi and Dubai-Calicut. Air India Express is a 100% subsidiary of Air India, will initially operate three weekly flights on the Thiruvananthapuram-Abu Dhabi-Muscat sector, daily on Dubai-Kochi and Dubai-Calicut routes. The tickets would be sold through travel agencies and Internet bookings. Like other no-frill airlines, the passengers will be able to avail more discounts by booking earlier. Air India will progressively discontinue its flights in the Gulf sector, which will be gradually replaced by the budget carrier. Air India is acquiring 68 new aircrafts, of which 18 will be Boeing 737-800s dedicated to the Air India Express. Call 799801, 799802 for more information!
(OA/PAC/27-03)

AIRARABIA offers package for 3 nights in Beirut for RO 169, package for 4 nights in egypt for RO 159. the package includes air fares, breakfast, return airport transfers, twin sharing accommodation and hotel taxes and services charges. Pakcage doesnot include airport taxes. All flights are via Sharjah International Airport. For more information call Muscat at 24700828, Sohar at 26846388, visit www.airarabia.com 
(OA/PAC/19-03)

KUWAIT Airways offers Free Limousine Service upon arrival at Kuwait Airport for its first class passengers and members of Golden Oasis Club. make a request at the time of booking, at check-in or upon arrival by producing the boarding pass. Kuwait Airways is currently operating twice a week flights from Muscat and connects to major destinations in Middle East, Europe and USA to/from Kuwait. The Airlines offers special fares and tailor made tour packages & hotels. For more information call 24798861 / 24785087 / 24707119, Email: mctinku@omantel.net.om
(OA/PAC/14-03)

ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the UAE to launch operations from Muscat this summer with special prices. Etihad flies to Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Colombo, Gatwick and Heathrow (London), Bangkok, Munich, Bahrain, Mumbai, Karachi, Cairo, New Delhi, Dammam and Riyadh. Call 24817861 or visit your nearest travel agent for more information. Visit us at www.etihadairways.com
(OA/PAC/1-03)

OMAN Tourism & Travel Agencies has been appointed the general sales agent for Phuket Air in Oman. Phuket Air is one of the domestic carriers in Thailand, currently operating to all major domestic sectors like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Mae Sot, Burirum, Ranong and Narathiwat. Phuket Air also flies to destinations such as Bangkok-Dubai via Chittagong, Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Yangon. For more information call 24789847, Fax 24789836
(OA/PAC/17-02)

OMANAIR offers Holiday Packages for Beirut for RO 206 for nights, Secrets of Salalah for RO 64 for 2 nights, Exotic Zanzibar for RO 252 for 3 nights, Vibrant Dubai for RO 77 for 2 nights & Ancient Cairo for RO 235 for 3 nights. Package includes return economy airfare from Muscat to destination (excluding airport taxes), hotel accommodation with breakfast, per person sharing & return airport transfers. For more information call 24765129, Salalah 23292777, Khasab 26730487
(OA/PAC/6-02)

Avail Special online fares with www.emirates.com/om. Pay RO 390 for Auckland, RO 440 for Christchurch, RO 100 for Beirut, RO 350 for Brisbane/Melbourne, RO 350 for Perth, RO 420 for Sydney, RO 95 for Chennai, RO 95 for Cochin, RO 100 for Delhi, RO 25 for Dubai, RO 135 for Hyderabad & RO 70 for Mumbai. Return flights must be completed by 31st March 2005. Book online and receive 75% more Skywards Miles. Register for future online offers at www.emirates.com/om
(OA/PAC/6-02)

SOTC’s World Famous Tours offers 10 days highlights of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland & France for US $ 999, 14 days Classic Tour of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy & France for US $ 1699, 17 days Grand Tour of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & France for US $ 1899, 20 day European Extravaganza covering England, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Italy & France for US $ 2199! Get bonus 4 new optional sightseeing tours worth US$ 375 per person Free. New vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies Menu everyday for the tours designed by Sanjeev Kapoor. For more information call ARIES Travel & Tours LLC, Tel 24704692, Fax 24704719, Email: sotcmct@hotmail.com visit us at www.sotctours.com
(OA/PAC/1-02)

An Exclusive passenger terminal would be built by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Communications and Transport and the Sultan Qaboos Port authorities by 2007-2008 at Sultan Qaboos Port especially for the arrival of cruise ships.
(OA/PAC/9-11)

Swiss International Airlines (Swiss) to launch daily flights from Oman to Zurich and a code share agreement with Oman Air for daily operation starting from October 31, 2004. The new daily service from Seeb will depart at 12.40pm, arriving in Zurich at 06:20am. Swiss flies to 70 destinations in 42 countries under the current schedule. In the Middle East, Swiss operates a total 25 weekly flights including daily non-stop flights from Muscat and Dubai, five weekly flights from Cairo, three times from Jeddah and Riyadh. For details contact your travel agent or Swiss in Muscat at 791710, Fax 799502
(OA/PAC/14-10)

Gulf Air will invest $10 million in new First and Business class skybeds to offer comfortable seating and sleeping in the skies on its Airbus A 330 fleet, with an option for the A 340 refurbishment later on. Gulf Air becomes the first airline in the world to use a new concept in airline seating with its order for Evolys Business Class seats. In the First Class cabin, EADS Sogerma’s Class 180 seats will be installed. The Class 180 configuration offers a private cabin space for each passenger, which can be transformed into a fully functional bed. A dedicated changing room will enable passengers on night flights to change into their sleep suits. The refurbished aircraft will be in operation from March 2005 serving destinations including London, Frankfurt and Paris. The full refit programme will be complete by July 2005. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers more than 50 cities in 33 countries.
(OA/PAC/9-09)

The tourism sector in Oman is expected to achieve an annual growth of 6.1 per cent as the government has given the sector top priority in its economic development policy, through massive private sector investments. the tourism sector contributes 0.3 per cent to the total GDP of the country. the action plan on tourist priorities specified six tourist areas, all of which are now offered for private investment. They are the Coastal zone Project (Al Athaiba), Barr al Jissah Resort Project, Muscat Golf Course Project, Hamriya-Yiti Mountain Walking Way and Development of Ain Elhamam at Al Ansab village in the Wilayat of Bausher. the Committee of Tourism Investment has been formulated in order to study new tourism projects which will be set up in the areas earmarked for tourism investment, to suggest the incentives and concessions to be provided in order to attract foreign investments and to determine the services required in the tourist areas.
(OA/PAC/5-09)

The government has formulated a master plan for sustainable development for the turtle reserve area in eastern Sharqiyah region at Ras al Jinz and Masirah Island. The plan will be implemented in different phases by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The first phase includes the establishment of a modern visiting centre for the scientific community specialising in turtle conservation and a 4-star hotel to cater to the increasing number of visitors arriving to watch nesting green turtles Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz areas. The 65-km tarmac road from Sur to Ras al Jinz has been recently completed. Another road linking Ras al Hadd with Sur is also progressing to be ready next year. The construction of the visiting centre will begin this year. The visiting centre will have an exhibition hall displaying the diversity of the area and the life cycle of turtles, another hall will display the archaeological discoveries dating back to 4,000 BC, made in the area, a library accessible to professionals engaged in turtle research, besides a laboratory to facilitate turtle research. Small pools for hatchlings and adult turtles will also be built as part of the centre facilities. Accommodation facilities will also be available for scientists doing research activities at the centre, besides an administrative office building. The new centre will be ready in 2005. The new 4-star hotel will come up close to Ras al Jinz turtle conservation area. a special package for watching nesting turtles will also be offered to tourist after the completion of a hotel project in Masirah Island next year. Masirah Island turtle reserve area hosts four species of turtles which nest in different seasons and is the only place in Oman where Olive Ridleys nest. The world's largest population of loggerhead turtles is also seen here, besides nearly 1,000 green turtles nest every year.
(OA/PAC/5-09)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines introduces added services to Houston from 5th November onwards. The current schedule with non-stop daily services from Amsterdam to Houston will be increased to double daily service on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. KLM offers Free Lounge service for all passengers via Dubai and deluxe class hotels for business class passengers. For more information call 566737
(OA/PAC/30-08)

Gulf Air and Egypt Air have signed an agreement for the new alliance between the two airlines. Under the terms, the two carriers will cooperate to provide air travel services in the Middle East, as well as greater connectivity around world. Areas of cooperation will include jointly-operated services, marketing and sales, flight scheduling, cargo, technical services in foreign stations, the leasing of aircraft and frequent services. In the first phase, code-share flights will commence between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi & Oman, Cairo & Alexandria. It will also include jointly operated services to tourist destinations in Egypt such as Sham el Sheikh and Hurgada. In the winter schedule, this will be extended to flights for Cairo-Bahrain-Sydney. The agreement will allow travellers holding tickets of either airline to travel on the flights of other carriers. Other operating points with the two carriers’ networks will also be linked in Asia, Africa and Europe. For more information call Gulf Air Toll Free no 800 774724 or visit us at www.gulfairco.com
(OA/PAC/27-07)

The Ministry of Tourism is planning to construct an aquarium in Muscat within a period of two years. The project is part of wider initiative to add diversity to the tourist attractions in Muscat and beyond towards Bandar Khayran. Plans are also on for variety of other attractions such as cable car, restaurants, conference centre & other amenities involving total investment of around $ 20 million.
(OA/PAC/19-07)

You can check-in for onwards travel for domestic sector in India at Mumbai International Airport when traveling with JET Airways. Check-in your baggage, get boarding passes issued in the Arrival area and take inter-terminal coach service to the domestic terminal. Offer available for the same day connection flights and valid between 22.30 & 10 hrs only. For more information call Muscat at 787423 or your local travel agent. E-mail: jetwings@emirates.net.ae visit us at www.jetairways.com
(OA/PAC/11-07)

The first Youth hostel at Areen Al Ashkarah is built at a total cost of RO 950,000 on a 22,000 sq metre overlooking a municipal park and Arabian sea on the other side in wilayat of Ja’alan Bani Bu Ali in the Sharqiyah region. Built in two wings, the first block of 20 units is designed for families while the other caters to traveling bachelors. Each family suite consists of a living room, bedroom, cooking and washing room. Inter-connecting doors allow for large families to move into adjoining rooms. The main block houses a restaurant and a multipurpose hall while a billiards room is planned to be added later. A pair of shops located on the premises will offer traditional Omani artifacts. Two other projects, one in Salalah in the Dhofar governorate and the other in Al Hamra in the Dakhiliyah region will be opened soon.
(OA/PAC/30-06)

GULF AIR has launched luxury car service for its First & Business Class passengers. Passengers leaving Muscat will be picked up from any area within Muscat city and driven to the Seeb International Airport. Passengers arriving at Muscat by Gulf Air flights can also use this service from Seeb International Airport. For more information call Toll Free no 800 774724 or visit us at  www.gulfairco.com        
(OA/PAC/12-06)

Log on to www.indianairlinespackages.com, a special website for INDIAN AIRLINES Holiday Packages for Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Kathmandu, Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and other destinations. These packages offers all inclusive fares, accommodation and airport transfers for popular Indian destinations and also offer tailor made options ranging from ayurvedic rejuvenation packages, culture and heritage packages, adventure tours and beaches and hill resort packages. For more information call 790771, 791914, Fax 781981, Email: ialmct@omantel.net.om, visit us at www.indian-airlines.com
(OA/PAC/28-04)

BAHWAN Travel Agency will offer Special Visa Service for Omani Nationals & expatriates traveling to Australia. The processing of application after submitting the applications with completed papers takes 7 working days. For Europeans & other nationalities, BTA offers the Electronic Travel Advice service, a type of electronically generated visa issuing facility, which is endorsed on arrival in Australia. For more information call Baburaj Pillai, In Charge, Visa Cell on 707119, 704455, 785087, 798861, Fax: 795363
(OA/PAC/17-03)

Khasab Airport & Golden Tulip Resort in the wilayat of Khasab was formally opened by Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry & Juma bin Ali Juma, Minister of Manpower. The passengers’ terminal at Khasab Airbase built at a cost of RO 2.410 million will help stimulate tourism and provide job opportunities for youth in the region. The Golden Tulip Resort which has been built at the cost of RO 2 million covers an area of 18,000 sq. mts. The resort which oversees the Strait of Hurmuz consists of 45 rooms, three suites and 12 chalets, Diba Restaurant and Musandam Conference Hall.
(OA/PAC/28-12)

Oman Air has launched Muscat -Khasab package for RO74 per person. The package includes return ticket, two nights’ stay in the 4-Star Golden Tulip Resort (single room), with airport transfers and breakfast (on both days). The twin sharing facility would cost RO62 per person. Oman Air has also launched packages to visit more than one destination in Oman on the same trip covering Khasab, Muscat and Salalah.
Khasab is blessed with rugged but fascinating terrain with mountains rising above 2,000 metres forming inlets that resemble Norway’s Fjords, great sea diving spots, lovely sandy beaches, archaeological sites dating back to 6,000 years. For more information call Oman Air at 707222, Fax: 765121, Khasab 830487, Salalah 292777 ext. 102, 289826, visit us at www.oman-air.com , email: omanairtours@oas.com.om
(OA/PAC/24-12)

Oman has embarked on an ambitious tourism development plan for Musandam — fondly known as the Norway of Arabia situated on the Northern tip of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. This winter getaway will be included in the RO50 million budget earmarked for tourism development in Oman. Musandam will see comprehensive development at Khasab port, renovation of the Khasab castle/fort, development of Golden Tulip Resort and construction of other hotels. Dibba hotel in Musandam will be built with a capacity of 42 rooms and is expected to open in March 2005. Musandam Special package available with two nights stay on sharing basis at the Golden Tulip for RO58. For more information call 707222, Fax: 765121, Khasab 830487, Salalah 292777 ext. 102, 289826, visit us at www.oman-air.com , email: omanairtours@oas.com.om
(OA/PAC/24-12)

Non-Muslims permitted to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on specified hours and proper dress code that preserves the sanctity of the mosque. Visiting hours are from 8am - 11am from Saturday through Wednesday. No visitors will be allowed on Thursday and Friday. Men should wear suitable clothes that are not short while women should wear clothes that cover their bodies from head to toe. Children under 10 not allowed to the prayer halls. GSMs should be switched off before entering the prayer halls.
The Grand Mosque was inaugurated this year is the largest mosque in Oman. The mosque has an affiliate Quranic School, an institute for Islamic science and a library with 20,000 reference volumes covering a range of Islamic and human sciences and culture and rare manuscripts. The Mosque covers an area of 416,000 square metres and the complex is built over an area of around 40,000 square metres. The three entrances consist of three pedestrian passageways leading into the grounds of the complex, each ending in its own separate open area. Architectural interior combines various features of traditional Islamic arts and crafts. All the decorative architecture used in the designs of the walls, ceiling and screens are based on Omani styles.
(OA/PAC/13/08)