Braemar Golf managed facility Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club in Oman hosted UK tour operator Group Golf.  The group played the three grass golf courses in Muscat at Ghalla Valley, Al Mouj and Muscat Hills. Michael Braidwood operations director of Braemar Golf said: “Inbound tourists are essential to the success and ...

Middle East, May 19, 2013

Cluttons recently released its report on the hospitality industry in Oman.  As per the report, the market is characterised by a notable number of new developments. Cluttons predicts that such projects are set to double the supply of three to five star hotel rooms in the Muscat Governorate over the next ...

Middle East, May 15, 2013

Swiss-Belhotel International will witness its Oman debut with the midscale Swiss-Belinn brand; the other properties include a four-star property on schedule in Iraq.  Bahrain will be the next with the Swiss-Belhotel Seef currently finalising its pre-opening programme ahead of an early 2014 launch. This will be followed by the introduction of ...

Middle East, May 5, 2013

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Duqm.  The new hotel will join IHG’s three existing Crowne Plaza hotels– Muscat, Sohar and Salalah. The hotel aims to capture the growing corporate travel market. The property boasts 213 rooms including 21 suites all with direct sea views. In addition, Crowne ...

Middle East, April 24, 2013

The Ministry of Tourism in Oman recently announced its decision to open a representative office in the KSA demonstrating its interest in attracting Saudis to consider Oman for business and leisure, as reported in Oman Observer.  Maitha al Mahrouqi, under-secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, said: “We welcome visitors from the ...

Middle East, April 24, 2013

Offbeatours has recently added Pakistan to its portfolio of tours that already include Afghanistan, Kurdish Iraq and Yemen.  The trip, planned for a week, will offer diverse experiences that are exclusive to the region. David Butler, Owner of Offbeatours said: “As advance planning for visas and permits are required we have already ...

Middle East, April 23, 2013

Come September, Etihad Airways will launch direct flights to Sana'a. The route will be serviced with four flights a week.  James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, said: "The cultural and business ties between the two countries are significant, and we believe the new service will further facilitate Yemen's ...

Middle East, April 15, 2013

Air Arabia announced the increase in frequency of flights to Salalah from Sharjah. Effective 8 May, the airline will offer three flights per week, an addition of one flight to the existing schedule. The new flight will depart on Wednesdays.  Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said: “We will ...

Middle East, April 8, 2013