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Volume 2
| Issue 2 | 2017
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CEO'S MESSAGE
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter and thank you for taking time to read. Our group evolved within a dynamic and ever-changing industry, all thanks to the incredible team I work with. It is often said "a company is only as good as its staff" and we are a living proof of that. We are grateful for the support of our guests, suppliers and partners both locally & internationally, airlines and tourist boards, and of course the support of many travel companies in Oman. I hope you have gone through our website and explore the hundreds of itineraries that we have ready for you. I have such a passionate and experienced team that has provided our guests with excellent travel plans for both business & leisure. All our itineraries are customised to your needs. Everything is designed to meet your requirements. Get in touch with us and give us a try, my team is looking forward to hearing from you and make your travel dreams come true!
When you travel with us, you become part of a special group of travellers about whom we care. If you have not travelled with us yet, I personally invite you to join the family of friends who have enjoyed our services over the years.
Sunil Prabhakar
Chief Executive Officer
Travel Consortium
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DESTINATION ITALY
BELLISSIMO!
Don't be fooled by the winter season! Italy is at its best, most beautiful in February and what better place to celebrate Valentine's Day with your valentine than in quaint, rustic Italy? Book your tickets now!
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SRILANKAN HOLIDAYS APPOINTS TRAVEL POINT LLC AS GSA IN OMAN
SriLankan Holidays, the leisure arm of the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, has made its comeback after 2 years to appoint Travel Point LLC as its sole general sales agent in Oman.
SriLankan Holidays promotes travel to and from Sri Lanka, and also within all points throughout the airline's network. The airline partners with many leading hotels, tour operators and other tourism related organizations to give travellers a wide selection of holiday opportunities with an all-inclusive concept, which includes customized packages. SriLankan Holidays won the prestigious title of Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism in 2008 and in 2009.
Travel Point LLC is proud to associate itself with SriLankan Holidays to promote holidays to Sri Lanka and to all destinations the airline operates to. "As the sole GSA, we are determined to offer high quality services to our partners day after day. We are delighted about our partnership with SriLankan Holidays and the association with this renowned Airline in South Asia. Being their GSA will help us enlarge our portfolio of Airlines," says Sunil Prabhakar - CEO of Travel Point LLC.
"It is important to have a local partner, who shares a common vision, and has an experienced team of professionals with deep knowledge and extensive network into the local market. In associating SriLankan Holidays with Travel Point LLC, we have found the right chemistry for mutual growth," said Deepal Pallegangoda - Country Manager Oman, SriLankan Airlines.
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US-BANGLA AIRLINES FLIES DAILY FROM MUSCAT
Since January 14, 2017, US-Bangla Airlines has officially started weekly flights from Muscat to Dhaka via Chittagong. The airline has started operations in order to connect Muscat and Bangladesh with affordable rates and excellent service. US-Bangla Airlines is also offering 10 kg cabin baggage on flights from Muscat to Bangladesh.
For reservations, contact the US-Bangla office in Hamriya Square, Ruwi at +968 24830724 or +968 99364919 or email at sales@us-banglaairlinesom.com.
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From January 18, 2017 to February 7, 2017, KLM is offering passengers dream deals to some of the best locations in Europe and North America like London, starting from as low as OMR 177.
Contact the KLM office at 24657575 for more information.
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PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES (PIA) FLIES TWICE FROM SALALAH TO ISLAMABAD
After successfully launching its direct flight service going twice a week from Salalah to Lahore on December 1, 2016, Pakistan International Airlines is also flying twice a week from Salalah to Islamabad starting from February 23, 2017. Flights will go from Salalah International Airport on Wednesdays at
9.05 pm and on Fridays at
2.40 pm.
For reservations, contact the PIA office in CBD at +968 24792471 or email at
mcttopk@piac.aero.
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VACATIONS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
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VACATIONS APPOINTED AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR KENNEDY SPACE CENTER IN OMAN
Vacations, the outbound division of Travel Point LLC, is now the official authorized agent for the Kennedy Space Center in Oman. Our exclusive packages offer admission, special interest tours, astronaut training experiences, 3-Day and 5-Day camps along with many other special offers. Contact us at +968 24661815 or +968 93220034 for further information.
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TOUR OMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
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TOUR OMAN WELCOMES STUDENT GROUP
Tour Oman recently welcomed a group of 30 students from Harvard University. The group spent 3 nights in Oman with all arrangements for travel, stay and meals managed by Tour Oman. The students went on a Dhow cruise and also had a private dinner on an island while on the cruise. They enjoyed an afternoon having an authentic Omani lunch in Nizwa with performances by artists playing the oud and other traditional instruments. The group leader, an Omani student, was incredibly delighted with the services offered and echoed the sentiments of the entire group by thanking Tour Oman for all their work.
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TOUR OMAN HANDLES 3RD DESTINATION WEDDING IN 2017
Tour Oman successfully completed all ground handling arrangements with their 3rd destination wedding from 27th to 29th January 2017. The team managed tourist visas, transfers and all logistical coordination for Varun Malik and Aparna Kadan's wedding. Over 400 guests came to join the festivities and give their blessings to the couple from India, Singapore, Dubai and other parts of the world.
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3RD CYCLING TOUR ORGANIZED BY TOUR OMAN
Tour Oman organized its 3rd cycling tour for 15 cyclists under the professional guidance of Roberto Gazzoli, a cycling tour guide from Projecting Adventure (PA) Cyclism and Willy Mulonía, the President and Founder of PA Cyclism at the onset of the new year.
The group arrived on 3rd January and hit the trail the next day, starting from Wadi Dayqah to Fins beach with a schedule to camp overnight. The trail took the team from Fins beach to Salma plateau and over to Wadi Bani Khalid. Following this schedule, they headed to the picturesque Wahiba Sands, cycled to Jalan Bani Bu Ali and completed the tour by cycling to the turtle beach at Ras Al Jinz to depart on 10th January. At the end of the trip, all the cyclists were in awe of Oman and expressed their delight and sincere gratitude to TourOman.
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TOUR OMAN MANAGES POEM CONFERENCE
Tour Oman put another feather in its cap with managing ground handling and logistics from 24th
January 2017 to 30th
January 2017 for the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group. They organized their First Scientific Meeting under the theme "Oman 2017, Reach Out to Heal" in Muscat Oman on January 26-28, 2017. The meeting was attended by over 200 professionals in General Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Surgeons, Pathologists, Pharmacists, Nurses and other healthcare professionals. All arrangements were handled smoothly by Tour Oman and the meeting was a great success
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AL EMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
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BOOK YOUR RAMADAN UMRAH NOW
Al Eman, the religious tours division of Travel Point LLC, will offer affordable Umrah packages during Ramadan to clients looking to go on a holy pilgrimage. Currently, Al Eman is offering weekend Umrah packages starting from as low as OMR 175. Contact us
at +968 92471471/98082470/93892655 or +968 24661800, email us at
aleman@travelcity-oman.com
or whatsapp us at +968 92087552.
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ARABIA CARS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
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NEED A RENT-A-CAR?
Our rent-a-car services are available in Muscat, Salalah and Nizwa. Call us at +968 24661877 or email us at
arabiacars@travelcity-oman.com to book a car now!
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MEDICARE - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
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MEDICARE SUCCESSFULLY SERVES THOSE IN NEED
Medicare Tourism, the medical tourism division of Travel Point LLC successfully carried out medical assistance for 4 patients across Oman. Medicare Tourism carried out shifting a burns patient by air ambulance within notice of 24 hours and transported a cardiac arrest patient with medics to his hometown. Medicare also referred a patient suffering from sickle cell anemia to a hospital in Malaysia and sent a team of doctors and medics along with the patient. Lastly, a patient in coma with no immediate relatives was transported to India with a medical team to be admitted in the local hospital at his hometown.
Medicare Tourism is dedicated to assisting and handling any kind of emergency and the most difficult cases at any time with the best opinions received from the best hospitals.
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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? DISCOVER OMAN!
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KHAWR NAJD
This lagoon is one of the largest in the Governorate of Musandam, and is from the word 'help' in Arabic. At times of distress, travellers and traders laid up there during bad weather conditions at sea.
Khawr Najd can be reached either by traditional sea vessels (4 hours) from Khasab through the Strait of Hormuz, or by four-wheel drives along a beautiful mountain road (30 minutes), overlooking panoramic views of the lagoon from a height of 420 metres, where the tourist can revel in majestic scenery of sea and mountain.
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OMAN AIR IMPLEMENTS NEW BAGGAGE POLICY
Starting from 9th January 2017, Oman Air has extended a generous baggage policy for all its customers. Passengers traveling Economy can now carry 1 bag weighing upto 30 kgs while First and Business Class passengers can carry 1 bag weighing upto 30 kgs with another weighing upto 20 kgs.
Oman Air is also offering low price flat rates for extra baggage, starting from OMR 16 for a 20 kg bag. Furthermore, customers can avail a 20% discount by purchasing extra baggage on www.omanair.com and also avail a low flat rate price for upto 4 pieces of baggage on long haul routes.
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OMAN'S BUDGET CARRIER SALAMAIR LAUNCHES BOOKINGS
SalamAir, Oman's first budget airline, has launched ticket sales for flights between Salalah and Muscat and flights from Muscat to Dubai. Tickets are available through the user-friendly SalamAir.com website and a number of affiliated travel agents. The airline launched its service with four daily flights to Salalah on January 30, while two daily flights to Dubai (Al Maktoum International Airport at DWC) will start from February 15.
Promotional fares start at OMR 13 (one-way) to Salalah from Muscat and OMR 16.6 for Dubai.
SalamAir has introduced three easy fare options: Light, Friendly and Flexi. Light, the airline's lowest fare family, has been designed for customers who travel light and only require hand baggage. Offering great value is the Friendly fare, which includes 20kg of checked luggage plus 7kg of hand baggage. For maximum passenger convenience and value, Flexi, has all the advantages of Friendly along with priority check-in and the possibility to change flights at no extra cost.
In addition, a budget conscious menu of additional services is also available, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in, the airline said.
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EMIRATES LAUNCHES DAILY FLIGHT TO CROATIA
Emirates recently announced further expansion of its European network with the introduction of a daily flight from Dubai to Zagreb, the Croatian capital from June 1, 2017. The new southeast European destination will be served by an Emirates Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the only wide-body service operating to/from Zagreb.
Scheduled flight times for EK129 (departing Dubai at 08:15 hours and arriving in Zagreb at 12:20 hours local time) and the return flight EK130 (departing Zagreb at 15:35 hours and arriving in Dubai at 23:05 hours).
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GULF AIR OFFERS EXTRA FREE BAGGAGE
Gulf Air now offers its customers extra free baggage allowance for outbound travel until 31st March 2017. Passengers traveling to India and Pakistan will receive 55 kgs for premium class and 45 kgs for economy class. Those traveling to Cairo, Khartoum, Manila, Dhaka, Addis Ababa and Colombo will receive 60 kgs for premium class and 50 kgs for economy class. All other Gulf Air destination passengers will receive 50 kgs on premium class and 40 kgs on economy.
Other terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact your preferred travel agent or the Gulf Air Oman offices at 24763535.
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ETIHAD AIRWAYS SUSPENDS SERVICE TO VIENNA
Effective March 6, 2017, Etihad Airways will suspend services to Vienna. They offer re-booking and rerouting options along with cancellation options for passengers who have purchased on or before December 15, 2016, for travel on or after March 5, 2017 to/from Vienna.
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Indigo is offering all passengers flying on its domestic and international sectors except the India-Nepal-India sector with unlimited booking changes, seat choice and a delicious in-flight meal. This upgrade offer is subject to change without prior notice. For more information, contact the Indigo office in Oman.
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FLYNAS SIGNS WITH TRAVELPORT
Travelport and Flynas, a low-cost carrier from Saudi Arabia, have announced the signing of a multi-year, full content agreement. Launched in 2007, Flynas operates nearly 1,000 weekly flights to 30 destinations within and outside Saudi Arabia. The new agreement will see Flynas' full content and inventory, including its branded fares and ancillaries become available to over 68,000 travel agencies, across 180 countries through Travelport's Travel Commerce Platform. Furthermore, the airline now joins over 180 airlines which are currently live on Travelport's merchandising technology solution for airlines, Travelport Rich Content and Branding.
Through Travelport, the airline will be able to effectively promote Flynas' products and services, including its dedicated Business Class Cabin, which has seen a significant investment from Flynas since 2013. Agents will also be able to access naSmiles, the frequent flyer program of Flynas, through which travellers can earn SMILE Points when booking flights and ancillaries. Also, Rich Content and Branding will enable the airline's content to appear on travel agents' screens, with rich, graphical product descriptions, boosting up sellingopportunities for the travel agent community at the time of booking.
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MUSCAT LIGHTS UP WITH THE MUSCAT FESTIVAL 2017
Muscat is abuzz! The Muscat Festival, an annual event in Oman, has hit the city in full fanfare. Running from January 19
until February 11,
2017 this year, the festival includes fun activities across the city in Naseem Gardens and Amerat Park. Ushering in fireworks, shows and performances by notable bands, the Muscat Festival is currently entertaining the residents of Oman. Ticket prices are as low as 200 bz per adult and the festival also features recreation for children and awareness programs.
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HONG KONG DISCONTINUES VISA-ON ARRIVAL FOR INDIANS
Indians will no longer have the visa-on-arrival facility while travelling to Hong Kong and will have to complete a pre-arrival registration. The move, announced by the Hong Kong government in November last year, came into effect from Monday, January 23, 2017.
Earlier, Indians were allowed to visit Hong Kong visa-free with a stay of up to 14 days. The move has reportedly been taken in view of the growing number of asylum seekers.
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WORLD TO FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THIS YEAR
The tourism industry across the world will have 12 months to celebrate and promote the contribution of the sector to building a better world as this year is being marked as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.
The official launch took place in Madrid on January 18 on the occasion of the Spanish Tourism Fair, FITUR.
The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the SDGs.
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WORLD'S WIDEST FLIGHT CHAMBER TO COME UP IN YAS ISLAND
If you want to experience an adventure, then look no further than Yas Island! With already popular attractions like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, they have announced yet another thrill-seeking attraction to the list. Yas Island is developing the world's widest flight chamber and tallest indoor climbing wall "Clymb", set for launch in 2018. The skydiving chamber will be 9.76 meters wide, while the indoor climbing wall will be 43 meters tall. They are not leaving any stone unturned. Clymb will be linked to the nearby Yas Mall, which will feature retailers, food and beverage, and a multi-use event space.
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DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS HOTEL WELCOMES GUESTS
Dubai Parks and Resort's Lapita Hotel, the first theme park hotel in the emirate, welcomed its first guests on January 2, 2017.
Located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts in close proximity to all three connected theme parks, the Polynesian themed clustered resort is the latest addition to Marriott International's Autograph Collection.
Offering 504 rooms and suites including three villas with three private bedrooms and access to private lagoon-style swimming pools, guests will enjoy a soothing yet captivating stay, it stated.
Boasting a serene atmosphere and lush landscaping, the family-friendly Lapita offers five signature restaurants and bars serving up international fare, from seafood to Chinese specialties, accompanied by live music and entertainment.
Kids will discover endless games and activities, including exciting Polynesian inspired arts and crafts projects at the Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club. These themed activities are designed to offer endless surprises to children and the young at heart, said the statement.
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To make travel easier in 2017, compare your passport to countries around the world on this
website and discover if you need a visa or not to travel wherever you want to!
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The Venice Carnival in Venice (February) - Elaborate masks, festive streets and colors that burst and pop! Visit the Venice Carnival and revel in the joy Italy brings every year!
Cherry Blossoms in Japan (March and April) - Japan blooms with beautiful, delicate pink cherry blossoms this March and April. Don't miss out on experiencing a serene, picturesque and unique creation of nature!
The Tulip Garden in the Netherlands (March - May) - Keukenhof in the Netherlands, also known as the Garden of Europe, has sprawling acres of never ending tulip fields. Live out your Bollywood dreams and run through a field of tulips this summer!
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SHAYSTA TRAVELS TO CENTRAL EUROPE!
Ms. Shaysta Siddiqui from the Vacations team recently travelled to Central Europe for a conference. While there, she visited Budapest, where she saw the refurbished historic trace centre. Since Budapest is also the spa capital of the world, she also witnessed the healing thermal waters of central Europe. She then visited Slovakia, where she spent her stay at the Kempinski in the High Tatras.
Later, Shaysta traveled to Prague, where she visited famous landmarks around the city while also learning more about the tourism industry there. Her last stop was in Poland, where she stayed at Narvill Resort on the outskirts of Warsaw, where she was pampered with spa treatments and had the opportunity to eat a meal cooked by one of Poland's top chefs with produce from the gardens of the resort. Shaysta highly recommends traveling to Central Europe to experience some incredibly unique and underrated locales.
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Prep Time: 20 min |
Cook Time: 30 min |
Ready In: 50 min
Ingredients:
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 tablespoons butter
½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Method:
(1)
In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together flour, salt and paprika. In a separate dish or bowl, mix together egg and milk. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then in seasoned flour.
(2) In a large skillet, heat butter or margarine over medium-high heat. Saute chicken pieces until golden brown. Add mushrooms and onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. (3) In a medium bowl combine the broth, lemon juice and cornstarch. Mix together and pour mixture over chicken and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium low and let chicken mixture simmer for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
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Travel City LLC - Travel Point LLC - Al Araimi Travel & Cargo LLC
Toll Free Agent: +968 9286 0928
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Head Office
1st Floor | Al Safa House | CBD
PO Box 1694, PC 114, Muttrah
Sultanate of Oman
Phone: +968 2476 0800
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Vacations - A division of Travel Point
(Outbound)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: vacations@travelcit
y-oman.com
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Tour Oman - A division of Travel Point
(Inbound)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: info@tour-oman.com
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Arabia Cars - A division of Travel Point
(Rent-a-Car)
Phone: +968 2466 1877
Email: arabiacars@travelcity-oman.com
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Al Eman - A division of Travel Point
(Hajj & Umrah)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: aleman@travelcity-oman.com
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MediCare - A division of Travel Point
(Medical Tourism)
Phone: +968 2466 1877
Email: medicare@travelcity-oman.com
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India Representation
(Tour Oman)
New Delhi
Phone: +91 9971 5645 51
Email: india@tour-oman.com
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India Representation
(Tour Oman)
Mumbai
Phone: +91 22 2660 3222
Email: india@tour-oman.com
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