Volume 2  | Issue 4 | 2017
CEO'S MESSAGE

Dear Reader,

While the summer hasn't kicked in fully, I have no doubt you're looking for a vacation sometime soon. Our Summer Sale 2017 is creating quite the buzz in the market. Our exclusive tie-ups with airlines offer you upto 30% discounts on flight tickets, a free gift with every package purchase and free insurance along with it, making it Oman's Biggest Summer Sale of 2017!

With the Khareef season coming up, we've got wonderful packages for you to discover a part of Oman unlike any other place on the planet. Salalah serves as the perfect retreat from the summer in Khareef! Moreover, our company has been engaged in business plans with a range of innovative travel services that Oman is yet to experience. Good news is worth waiting and we've got some coming soon for you! 

Sunil Prabhakar
Chief Executive Officer
Travel Consortium
DESTINATION MOROCCO
PRISTINE.

With the Mediterranean seas shining like lapis lazuli, crashing against pristine white sands like pearls, Morocco is the kind of magic you're definitely looking for in your life right now. With Arabic, European and Berber influences, Morocco makes for an ideal destination to discover the best of different things all in one place. Don't forget to sip on some lovely and warm mint tea as you go! 
TRAVEL CONSORTIUM NEWS
AL SIRAJ CELEBRATES 38 YEARS SINCE ESTABLISHMENT 

Congratulations!

We congratulate Al Siraj Holdings LLC for accomplishing a successful 38 years of establishment. We wish for Al Siraj's success in the years to come and are extremely grateful for their unflinching support and guidance throughout the years.   
TRAVEL POINT PARTICIPATES IN ITB BERLIN

Travel Point LLC participated in ITB Berlin, the world's biggest travel trade show, from 8th March 2017 until 12th March 2017. It brought together tour operators, online booking portals and hotels, and many other service providers from over 180 countries to present and showcase their products and services.  ITB Berlin is where top decision-makers, experts, buyers and young professionals from every area of the touristic value-added chain meet to get information about important topics and the latest trends, establish business contacts and close global deals. 
SRILANKAN HOLIDAYS LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE PACKAGES

SriLankan Holidays is launching exclusive, one-of-a-kind packages to Sri Lanka for every traveler. Starting from as low as OMR 280, couples can pick from Romance in Sri Lanka and Luxury and Romance packages, offering spa, relaxation and a generous touch of Sri Lankan culture. Those looking for adventure can avail the Island of Paradise package, packed with adventure and culture to the limit. Families can take up the Family Getaway package, the Scenic Sri Lanka package or a more relaxing Touch of Taprobane package.

For more details, call us at +968 24661800. 
FLY EASY WITH AIRFRANCE KLM!

With AirFrance-KLM, passengers can now fly from Muscat to London with two wonderful connecting flights through Amsterdam!

Fly from Muscat at 10.30 pm, land in Amsterdam at 7.15 am and choose between a 9.25 am and 12.25 pm flight to arrive at the London City Airport.

Fly from London City Airport to Amsterdam at 7.45 am or 8.00 am and land in Amsterdam around 10 am and get on a flight to Muscat at 11 am and reach comfortably at 10 pm!
 
For more information, contact the AirFrance-KLM offices at +968 24657575.
SUMMER SALE 2017 A HIT IN SULTAN CENTER

Travel Point LLC recently did a promotional event at Sultan Center for the Biggest Summer Sale 2017 on 10th and 11th March 2017. Customers came out in large numbers with enquiries about trips all around the world, several of which have already been booked with our exclusive offer that gives you upto 30% discounts on flights, free gifts with every package purchased and free travel insurance. Our customers are jetting off on the best vacations with the best prices in the market!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @travelpointoman to join the fun, discover where and when our next promotion is, buy a package and try your luck at winning a prize too! 
US-BANGLA FLIES DAILY TO BANGLADESH

US-Bangla now flies daily to Dhaka and Chittagong. Flights from Muscat depart at 9.30 pm, arriving in Dhaka at 4.30 am and then fly to Chittagong, landing at 6.10 am. Flights from Dhaka leave at 3.45 pm, landing in Chittagong at 4.35 pm and proceed ahead to Muscat, landing at 8.30 pm. US-Bangla also flies to Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, call the US-Bangla Airlines office at +968 24830724 or email them at sales@usbanglaairlinesom.com or reservations@usbanglaairlinesom.com
PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES FLIES TO FOUR DESTINATIONS FROM SALALAH 

Pakistan International Airlines now flies five flights a week from Salalah; twice to Lahore on Sundays and Thursdays, to Islamabad and Sialkot on Saturday and to Karachi on Wednesday. PIA has also started flights to Dhaka via Karachi with rates as low as OMR 42 and return flights as low as OMR 108. They also operate from Muscat to Karachi, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Turbat, Gwadar, Delhi and Mumbai.

The new baggage policy in effect does not accept any check-in baggage without flat surfaces. Passengers are requested to adhere to the baggage policy and ensure that their baggage does not permit round bags, irregularly shaped bags and oversized bags. All baggage that does not meet the standards will be repacked in a box for a fee.

For more information, contact Pakistan International Airlines at +968 24792460/61/65 or email mcttopk@piac.aero  
WE HAVE MOVED IN SOHAR AND SAHAM!

We have recently moved our offices in Sohar and Saham!

I n Sohar, we have moved to the Sohar Souq and in Saham, we have moved to Al Makka Hypermarket. Our offices offer you the entire range of Travel Point LLC's services.

Call our Sohar office at +968 22005790 and Saham office at +968 26857512 for more information  
VACATIONS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
THE BIGGEST SUMMER SALE OF 2017 IS IN FULL SWING!

Vacations, our outbound vacations division is riding high on the waves of our Biggest Summer Sale 2017! With upto 30% discounts on flight tickets, a free gift with every package purchase and free insurance, lucky customers have already availed the best deals and won exciting gifts like 49" LED TV's!

Vacations offers customized land packages to anywhere in the world including Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Southern Spain, Scandinavia, Japan, China, Iran, Cyprus, Cambodia, New Zealand and Zanzibar in addition to all other conventional holiday locations. Vacations - Travel Point LLC also offers family vacations geared towards children with special itineraries that include the London Harry Potter Tours, Gold Coast, Australia, Paris Disneyland and Park Astrix.

Itineraries for Kennedy Space Center are also on offer. For customers looking to explore the wild and seeking adventure, Safari Vacations in Masai Mara, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia are readily available. For those looking to relax and frolic under the sun and sand can avail beach vacations in Malaysia, Bali, Australia and Maldives. For couples, romantic vacations in places like Male, Mauritius, Seychelles, Phuket, Krabi & Koh Samui, Greece and Austria are available.

For those fancying a cruise this summer, we offer you a wide range of cruise packages on leading cruise liners, including the exciting Disney Cruise Liner, which is a must do on a travel bucket list.

For all queries and more information, please contact us at  vacations@atctp.com or call +968 24661800.
GIRLS, PACK YOUR BAGS! 

Ladies, get set for the best trip with your girls that will have you talking for years after it's over! With the perfect combination of sightseeing, discovery and pampering comfort, you can discover the rare, once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights in Iceland, relax in wonderful 4 star hotels in Bosnia and shop till you drop in Budapest and Prague. 

Book now with us! Call +968 24661800 or email us at vacations@atctp.com.
FREE YOUR SPIRIT AND GET ON TRIP AROUND THE WORLD!

Be young and wild and free! Travel Point LLC is here if you are between 18-39 and feeling lost, confused and alone about your next travel plans. Welcome to the greatest vacation of your life and get spoilt for choice with exclusive trips to Turkey, Europe, Thailand and pretty much every other corner of the world!

Call us at  +968 24661800 or email us at  vacations@atctp.com to join the fun!
GET THE BEST DEAL TO GEORGIA!

Looking to travel quick, cheap and fast?  Our Early Bird Offer to Georgia starts from just OMR 315 with flight tickets, accommodation, sightseeing activities, transfers and is valid until 8th April 2017. Pay only OMR 60 up front and follow it up with OMR 150 and OMR 105 in the months of April and May. BOOK NOW!

Call us at +968 24661800 or email us at vacations@atctp.com    
TOUR OMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
TOUR OMAN SUCCESSFULLY MANAGES ANOTHER DESTINATION WEDDING  

Tour Oman recently undertook the entire on ground support, logistics, visa services and meet and assist arrangements for Saurabh Narain and Leena Chatwani's wedding from 2nd - 5th March 2017 at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The wedding, which was attended by family, friends and loved ones, was catered to by a team of 40 chefs brought in exclusively from India. With a support staff of 105, over 400 guests were in attendance, including big names from Delhi and the Indian corporate world. The wedding took place with great fanfare and the guests busted some fancy moves to the tunes of celebrity DJ Sukhbir Singh, who flew in exclusively to perform for the wedding.

For all queries, kindly contact us at touroman@atctp.com or call us +968 24661800. 
AL EMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
AL EMAN LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE UMRAH PACKAGES

AlEman offers affordable packages by air for both nationals and resident expatriates.

Our current packages for Ramadan include air-tickets, quality accommodation and transfers for travel starting from as low as OMR 650 for 7 nights and 8 days.

Al Eman has also launched an all-inclusive group departure for the Nights of Meraj. The group departs on 20th April 2017 and returns on 29th April 2017, with the package starting from OMR 340, inclusive of air tickets, nine nights accommodation in 3 Star hotels and all local transfers with visits to holy places in Makkah and Madinah. Seats for this package are limited so customers are requested to kindly book early.

For more information, kindly contact Al Eman at +968 24661800 or email us at aleman@atctp.com
ARABIA CARS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
2 FOR 1 CAR RENTAL! 

Rent any car from Arabia Cars' exclusive fleet for two days at the price of one! 

This offer is valid until April 2017 for cars rented from the Arabia Cars Muscat office and is only valid on the weekends. Call +968 24661877 or email us arabiacars@atctp.com
MEDICARE - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
Medicare Tourism, the medical division of Travel Point LLC, caters to all your medical needs. Contact us at +968 99232577 or email us at medicare@atctp.com   
HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? DISCOVER OMAN!
MASIRAH ISLANDS

The island is located in south east Oman, and is within the administration of  A'Sharqiyah South Governorate . It is surrounded by several other islands, Marsis, Cha'nazi and Kalban. Marsis is the largest island in Oman and is a landmark in the middle of the sea. To the viewer, it looks like a jewel amid the azure waters. The visitor is enchanted by the island's beautiful and diverse natural environment, clearly seen in its abundant marine life.

As a visitor to Masirah Island, you'll feel here the harmony of nature, the pervasive calmness of the sea waves, and the cool breeze which envelopes you, giving you a profound sense of serenity as you breathe the pure air. The beaches provide an unparalleled opportunity to see clusters of rare sea turtles lay their eggs.

You can reach the island by a large ferry, known locally as Alyasoora. This is a large carrier that carries cars, goods and people to and from the island. The island can also be accessed by air.
INDUSTRY NEWS
OMAN AIR FLIES TO NAIROBI, CALICUT, MANCHESTER AND DUQM

From 27th March 2017, Oman Air now flies to Nairobi, the safari capital of Africa and to Calicut in India from Salalah and Muscat. Non-stop flights to Duqm have commenced from 24th March 2017 and flights to Manchester start from 1st May 2017.

For flights to Nairobi, travel between 27th March 2017 - 31st July 2017 to avail the best rates, starting from OMR 91 for economy class return tickets and OMR 638 for business class return tickets with flights going 4 times a week. Oman Air also offers special baggage allowance for Economy Class passengers flying to Nairobi with allowance up to 50 kgs (30 kgs + 20 kgs). Passengers can fly daily to Calicut from Salalah and twice daily from Muscat.

For more information, call 2453111, visit
www.omanair.com or contact your local travel agent. 
AIR ARABIA BEGINS FLIGHTS TO BAKU, INTRODUCES SERVICES TO TRABZON

Air Arabia has launched its inaugural service to Baku, marking the airline's first entrance into Azerbaijan. An official delegation including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations of Sharjah, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Hamel Al Qubaisi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan as well as Dashgin Shikarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UAE, were on board the inaugural flight. The new route supports Azerbaijan's recently signed travel decree, which aims at boosting tourism in the country. The aircraft received a traditional water canon salute upon arrival at Baku International Airport.
Air Arabia is also introducing a new flight service that will go three times a week to Trabzon, Turkey via Sharjah starting 23rd June 2017. The airline currently operates flights to 124 destinations from five hubs across the Middle East and North Africa.
TURKISH AIRLINES TO FLY TO VORONEZH AND SAMARA IN RUSSIA 

Turkish Airlines will operate direct flights from Istanbul to Voronezh and Samara, starting from April 2017.  The airline will operate flights to both Russian cities three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The first flight from Istanbul to Voronezh is scheduled for April 4 and from Istanbul to Samara on April 11.
EMIRATES COMPLIES WITH NEW RULE FOR US-BOUND TRAVEL, INTRODUCES NEW SERVICE

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a security directive requiring passengers on select flights to the United States to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone in their checked luggage. ( https://www.dhs.gov/news-releases/fact-sheets )
 
As per the directive, except for medical devices, electronic devices which are larger than a cell phone/smart phone cannot be carried in the cabin of the aircraft. But, with the new service, Customers travelling on Emirates to the US via Dubai will be able to utilise their laptops and tablet devices on the first part of their journeys, and also during transit in Dubai. They must then declare and hand over their laptops, tablets, and other banned electronic devices to security staff at the gate just before boarding their US-bound flight. The devices will be carefully packed into boxes, loaded into the aircraft hold, and returned to the customer at their US destination. There will not be any charge for this service.
 
Passengers on US-bound flights starting their journeys in Dubai are encouraged to pack their electronic devices into their check-in luggage in the first instance, to avoid delays.
 
Customers should be aware that there will be a detailed search of all hand baggage on non-stop flights to the US from Dubai. They should therefore declare their devices before the search, or ensure their electronic devices are packed into their check-in luggage in the first instance.
 
This is applicable to all US-bound passengers from Dubai International Airport, whether originating or transiting through. It does not apply to passengers travelling on Emirates' US-bound flights via Milan and Athens, or Emirates flights to/from any other destination.
 
The new security directive is effective from 25 March 2017 and will be in effect indefinitely.
 
All customers travelling to the USA should be aware of the above directive and kindly refer to www.emirates.com for travel updates.

JET AIRWAYS INCLUDES DUTY FREE PURCHASES IN BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Jet Airways now includes duty purchases for guests in cabin baggage. In Economy class, guests can carry upto 7 kgs and in Premier, guests may carry upto 10 kgs. In addition, one fully collapsible stroller or infant carrying basket is permitted per infant and a foldable garment bag or a laptop bag per adult travelling on their International routes. Jet Privilege Platinum, Gold members and Premiere guests will be entitled to 1 cabin baggage weighing a maximum of 10 kgs + 1 laptop bag across all Jet Airways flights. 
SALAMAIR FLIES DOUBLE DAILY TO DUBAI

SalamAir has introduced Dubai as its first international destination. The double daily service will operate from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Dubai World Central (DWC) before moving to Dubai International Airport (DXB) starting March 26, 2017. SalamAir's growing destination network was made possible with the arrival of the second A320 to its fleet, named "Fateh Al Khair" and will introduce a third daily flight to Salalah.
 
With fares from Dubai to Muscat as low as AED 122, guests can now book their flights on the website and can choose between three easy fare options: Light, Friendly & Flexi. Delivering on its promise to offer value for money, SalamAir will provide the option of 'through flights' on the 17:35 flight from Salalah to Dubai, meaning that guests can fly to Dubai without having to disembark in Muscat. The service includes a 50-minute stopover. Built on the philosophy of 'Always Welcome', SalamAir ensures that Omani hospitality is reflected in all aspects of its services, whether on-ground or in-flight.
CATHAY PACIFIC MARKS 40 YEARS IN DUBAI

2017 marks 40 years since Cathay Pacific began operating its first Dubai route from its hub in Hong Kong in 1977, marking its 20th destination and further bridging connectivity between the Middle East and South East Asia. The twice-weekly service marked the leading Asian airline's second destination in the region.
 
A direct Hong Kong-Dubai service was introduced in 1993, complimenting Cathay Pacific's existing service to the United Arab Emirates via Bangkok and Mumbai.  By 2008, Dubai had expanded to 18 flights a week, 14 being direct operating twice a day, and one operating via Mumbai.
 
In celebration of 40 Years in Dubai, Cathay Pacific will be inviting fans to enter a competition by sharing their personal memories, or images, of the airline on facebook.com/cathaypacificme with the hashtag #cathaydubai. Further details of the competition will be announced in April 2017. 

Indian passport holders with a valid American visa or a Green Card will now be eligible to obtain a UAE visa on arrival, as per the decree approved by the UAE Cabinet. The visa will be valid for 14 days, with a single extension possible for a fee. The decision to have a simplified visa process is aimed at advancing the UAE-India relations in economic, politics, and trade. It also contributes to achieving UAE's vision to be the leading country in attracting global tourism.
"Citizens of the Republic of India who are holders of normal passports with a six-month, or more, valid green card or visa issued by the United States of America shall be granted entry visas to the UAE from all ports for a period of 14 days, subject for a single renewal for the same period upon payment of applicable fees," an official statement said.

The number of Indian tourists coming to the UAE last year reached about 1.6 million Indian tourists, and there were about 50,000 UAE tourists who visited India in the same year. There are about 143 flights a day between the UAE and Indian cities, at a rate of 1000 flights per week.
CAPE TOWN LOOKS TO BECOME HALAL TOURISM DESTINATION

Wesgro, South Africa has partnered with dnata World Travel to promote Cape Town throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states which will see dnata conduct marketing and sales activities and actions on the Cape's behalf in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the next year.

Of the six aforementioned GCC states, the UAE had the highest number of arrivals in the Western Cape, with a total of 272,290 flight seats booked for 2015. This was 30.5% increase from 2012, with a year on year growth of 2.5% in 2012, 6.6% 2013 and a double-digit growth for the 2014-2015 period.

Although South Africa is considered a non-organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destination, Cape Town is one of Africa's leading Halal tourism destinations and the 2015 MasterCard-Crescent Rating Muslim Travel Shopping Index's OIC's ninth best non-IOC destination.

A recent report suggests that the global Muslim Tourism Market is already worth an estimated $151 billion. This partnership with dnata World Travel will play a vital role in the plan to promote the destination more actively in the GCC states to secure more of this business.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
MOROCCAN STYLE CHICKEN

Prep Time: 10 min |  Cook Time: 40 mins | Serves 2 

Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken legs pieces
1 onion, sliced
1 lemon
1 garlic clove, crushed
Small knob ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp chermoula spice mix
225ml chicken or vegetable stock (from a cube is fine)
1 tsp clear honey
Handful green olives
Chopped coriander, to serve 

Method:
(1)  Place a large frying pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp of oil. Lightly season the chicken and cook, skin side down, for about 5mins on one side, until golden. Turnover, then tip the onion into the pan. Cook for another 5mins until the onion is soft and chicken golden all over.
(2) Meanwhile, halve the lemon, then cut 1 half into quarters. Finely chop 1 quarter (leaving the skin on) and tip into a pestle and mortar or small blender. Pound it together with remaining oil, garlic, ginger and chermoula to make a paste. Dollop into the frying pan and cook 1 min more until you can smell the spices. Pour over the chicken or vegetable stock and honey, then bring to the boil.
(3) Turn down the heat, cover and leave to cook 20-30 mins until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and become glossy (you may need to uncover the pan for the fi nal 5 mins of cooking). Stir through the olives and squeeze over the juice of half the lemon. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with couscous or bread.
Travel City LLC - Travel Point LLC - Al Araimi Travel & Cargo LLC
Toll Free Agent: +968 9286 0928

Head Office
1st Floor | Al Safa House | CBD
PO Box 1694, PC 114, Muttrah
Sultanate of Oman
Phone: +968 2476 0800

Vacations - A division of Travel Point
(Outbound)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: vacations@atctp .com
Tour Oman - A division of Travel Point
(Inbound)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: info@atctp.com 

Arabia Cars - A division of Travel Point
(Rent-a-Car)
Phone: +968 2466 1877
Email: arabiacars@atctp.com

Al Eman - A division of Travel Point
(Hajj & Umrah)
Phone: +968 2466 1800
Email: aleman@atctp.com

MediCare - A division of Travel Point
(Medical Tourism)
Phone: +968 2466 1877
Email: medicare@atctp.com

India Representation
(Tour Oman)
New Delhi
Phone: +91 9971 5645 51
Email: india@atctp.com

India Representation
(Tour Oman)
Mumbai
Phone: +91 22 2660 3222
Email: india@atctp.com
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