Denis Johnson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, InterContintenal Hotels Group Middle East and Africa, believes the agreement with Aviation Seat Brokers – which will see the service continue for two seasons – will provide a massive boost to Oman’s national tourism initiative.
“The direct service is a wonderful opportunity for Oman to further enhance its awareness as a premier holiday destination in Europe. The Ministry of Tourism’s efforts in supporting this initiative should be applauded as it has been integral to ensuring that Salalah is promoted as a haven of tranquility,” said Johnson.
The new service – which will iclude 30 scheduled flights per season every Wednesday carrying an estimated 2,000 travellers in the first season – has been made possible by a joint agreement between Salalah’s Crowne Plaza and Hilton International, with the support of the Omani Ministry of Tourism.
Aviation Seat Brokers will also market Salalah in partnership with STS Solresor (Sweden), and its Norwegian-based SS Solia sister company will sell the service via connecting flights to Stockholm.
Expected to have a direct impact on increasing tourism levels to Oman, it is anticipated the agreement will result in assisting economic growth in the country. “This development, where we are going to instantly see a massive jump in visitors to the region, will not only create education, professional training and employment opportunities for thousands of Omanis, but it will also support the Sultanate’s forward-thinking Omanization policy,” said Johnson.
About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels across the region can be booked with toll-free calls to the InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East Central Reservations Office in Bahrain (80000 880), Egypt (0800-4433322), Jordan (0800-22666), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233), Lebanon (01 426-801 - ask operator to connect to 866 866 7556), Oman (800 777 999), Pakistan (00800 909 971234) Qatar (0800 971234), Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), and the UAE (800 4642).
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,500 hotels and 535,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world (www.ichotelsgroup.com). The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn ® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, and Candlewood Suites®, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK. InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and reservations capability on the Internet - www.intercontinental.com for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts,
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