Volume 2  | Issue 5 | 2017
CEO'S MESSAGE

Dear Reader,

Sun, sand and fun, the summer in Oman has brought great news along!

Our corporate website www.travelpoint.om has undergone a makeover and has a fantastic new look and feel to it. Go ahead and explore!  

I am very happy to announce our appointment as the General Sales Agent of Malindo Air in Oman. Another addition to the feathers in our cap. You will find more information in this newsletter.

Kudos to my team on the successful completion of Oman's Biggest Summer Sale 2017 - a splendid bonanza of International Holiday Packages! We have received an overwhelming response and we look forward to such continued patronage.  

Stay in touch with us on our social media handle @travelpointoman to get updates on our forthcoming campaigns and if you're enjoying this newsletter, tell your family and friends and encourage them to subscribe.

The Holy Month of Ramadan will begin later this month. We pray for our Omani and Muslim brethren to get immense strength from Allah during this season of fasting and prayer. Wishing you all Ramadan Mubarak in advance!


Sunil Prabhakar
Chief Executive Officer
Travel Consortium
DESTINATION AZERBAIJAN
OMAN'S NEWEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION.

On the coast of the Caspian Sea, lies a unique country called "the country of fire", as the name states Azerbaijan truly is a country filled with magic and fire and provides this light and beauty to everyone entering the country. With the Iranian and Turkish influences, Azerbaijan is an impeccable destination to experience the best of both cultures in one place. Azerbaijan is this year's favourite holiday spot for most of our customers!
TRAVEL CONSORTIUM NEWS
MALINDO AIR APPOINTS TRAVEL POINT AS GENERAL SALES AGENT IN OMAN

Malindo Air, recent winner of CAPA's 2016 Asia Pacific Regional Airline of the Year, has appointed Travel Point LLC, Oman's largest travel and hospitality company, as the General Sales Agent (GSA) in Oman, with immediate effect. This appointment signifies the airline's commitment to expand its presence to the international network, by allowing easy access to Malindo Air product & services to the Oman market.

Chandran Rama Muthy, Malindo Air's CEO said, "As a premium service airline, we aim to grow a stronger network that will connect our passengers to more destinations. Our code share flights with Oman Air will serve the market for leisure, business, Pilgrimage, medical tourism and more."

Commenting on their new partnership with the airline, Mr Sunil Prabhakar, CEO - Travel Point LLC said, "With attractive fares and premium services, Malindo Air has witnessed quick growth and significant expansion of its route network in a short span of time. We share a common vision, and it is always a pleasure working with businesses having common goals. We are happy to partner with Malindo Air and we will endeavor to leverage this service and offer the travelers in Oman, fantastic prices to the destinations of Malindo Air, that the airline currently operates into." 
TOPDECK PARTNERS WITH TRAVEL POINT TO LAUNCH YOUTH VACATIONS IN OMAN

Topdeck Travel,  the leading group travel provider for the youth travel market aged 18-39 years, has appointed Travel Point LLC as their partner in Oman. Topdeck is the number one provider of epic, hassle-free, authentic group trips for young people. Founded in 1973 by a group of friends with a double decker bus and a passion for adventure, Topdeck has grown to offer a variety of culturally-rich planned trips spanning Europe, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Topdeckers from around the world enjoy a travel experience led by fun, local trip leaders with the opportunity to travel with and meet likeminded individuals.
AIR FRANCE-KLM LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE TO LONDON

London City is KLM's 17th destination in the United Kingdom. The introduction of London City in this Dutch National Carrier's network began with a daily service and eventually increased frequency to four daily flights on weekdays and two flights a day on weekends. Flights to/from London City are operated by KLM Cityhopper using Embraer 190 equipment that carries up to 100 passengers. In addition to this service, KLM also offers its passengers various flights to London City in cooperation with their partner, City Jet (WX). 
SRILANKAN HOLIDAYS LAUNCHES NEW 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.

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 99420889 or email us at [email protected]
THE BIGGEST SUMMER SALE OF 2017 A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

Vacations, the Outbound Leisure division has reached the culmination of Oman's largest travel sale in 2017 today on a high note. The sale which started on March 1st ended today with over 1000 families seeking international holidays packages to exquisite destinations around the world. Whole Georgia remains a favorite, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Azerbaijan were this year's most sought after holiday spots. Happy customers have walked home with gifts ranging from gadgets, 49" LED TVs, Smartphones and more. The team is now gearing up for the next campaign of the season. Watch this space! 

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 OFFERS ROUND TRIP FARE TO BANGKOK FOR JUST OMR 122!

A round trip to Bangkok for just OMR 122! Perfect start to planning your trip to the Land of Smiles. US-Bangla Airline operates thrice weekly flights to Bangkok for a very attractive fare and is seeking to cater to frequent travelers to Bangkok from Muscat via Dhaka.  

For more information, call the US-Bangla Airlines office at +968 24830724 or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
NEW BAGGAGE POLICY ON PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

The new baggage policy introduced by PIA in effect does not accept any check-in baggage without flat surfaces. Passengers are requested to strictly adhere to the baggage policy and ensure that their baggage does not include round bags, irregularly shaped bags and oversized bags. All baggage shapes that do not meet the standard criteria will be repacked in a box for a fee.

For more information, kindly call the Pakistan International Airlines Office on +968 24792460/61/65 or email [email protected].
TRAVEL POINT'S INDUSTRY NETWORK GETS STRONGER AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2017!

Travel Point LLC participated in the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) Dubai which took place from 24th to 27th of April 2017. The GCC Regions most renowned travel trade show saw enthusiasts from the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry networked and updated themselves on latest trends of the industry, whilst making business deals with desired clients and partners. For Travel Point this has been a very successful trip with good news in the pipeline! Stay tuned. 
OFFICE TIMINGS EXTENDED FOR RAMADAN

To help serve you better during the Month of Ramadan, we will extend our office timings from 9 am to 10 pm. You can come by to our office at your convenience post Iftar to discuss your Eid Travel. Please note that these office timings will be applicable only at Travel Point LLC Office in Qurm, 1st Floor, Said Plaza, Opposite Al Khamis Plaza.  
VACATIONS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
BE AT THE BAKU SHOPPING FESTIVAL FOR JUST OMR 210

The Baku Tourism Board has announced the Baku Shopping Festival which finishes on 10th May 2017 and is your best bet for retail therapy at a shocking price of just OMR 210 for 4 Nights including flights, accommodation, transfers and sightseeing. T he offer is limited so book it before you miss it.

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 99233829 or email us at [email protected].
EPIC TRIPS FOR YOUNG TRAVELERS BETWEEN 18-39 YEARS STARTING AT JUST OMR 290!

If you're 18-39 years, if you're planning that epic trip to Bangkok with your friends, check out our 3 Nights trip to Bangkok at just OMR 290

This Bangkok reprieve focuses on the bustling city and its tuk tuk filled streets. Whether you're keen to retrace history's steps on a fascinating excursion, ready to whet your appetite with the array of delicious street food, or set on bagging a bargain at the multitude of shopping options, you're sure to find something to float your long-tail boat in this intoxicating city. The trip includes Bangkok Tuk tuk street food tour, Bangkok city tour, 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 3 nights hotel accommodation, return airport transfers and return airfare.

Also, an epic trip to Europe will cost you just OMR 620 for 5 Nights letting you wander down central Europe on this epic exploration of France, Switzerland and Italy! Say bonjour to your fellow #Topdeckers, get froggy at a Parisian gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower and a Paris city lights tour, and become a leather maker at a leather demonstration in Florence. Plus: skydiving over the Swiss Alps and a cabaret show in Paris are your must-do optionals. The price includes a Paris city driving tour, gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower, local guide in Florence, walking tour of Rome, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 nights in European campsites in spacious twin share, dome style tents with air mattresses & 2 nights in hostels, modern air-conditioned coach, guided tours of all major cities, awesome trip Leader + driver + Topdeck chef!

It's time to live it up while you're young!

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 99233829 or email us at [email protected].
HONEYMOONS ARE SPECIAL, AND WE PLAN THEM WITH LOVE!

Oman's wedding season is here and we have launched a wide range of honeymoon packages for all the newly wed couples to celebrate their love in the most romantic locations in the world. A choice between conventional and off-beat destinations at very special prices, this year's set of romantic packages will make you want to travel with your special someone. You can also rekindle your love to the 'Just Married' days with our Love Vacations that will make you want to whisk your loved one away on a secret escapade. 

There's love all over the world.

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 99233829 or email us at [email protected].
TOUR OMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
CORPORATE TOUR IN OMAN FOR CHINESE BUSINESSMEN A HIT!

Tour Oman, our Inbound Tours division, arranged a Cultural Trip to Nizwa - the old capital of Muscat and a Half Day City Tour of Muscat for guests from China of a corporate client in Oman. The trip was organized for a groups of Chinese CEO's and Investors who visited Oman for infrastructural investment in an industrial park in the country. The guests were especially in awe of the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 98080754 or email us at [email protected].  
SALALAH KHAREEF PACKAGES TURN INTO BESTSELLERS!

Tour Oman's 'Explore the Khareef' packages are selling fast for this year's Khareef festival! The packages offer a wide range of accommodation options in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels at affordable rates to a hassle-free trip exploring the beauty of Salalah.

For more information and bookings, call us at +968 99420889 or email us at [email protected].
AL EMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
GO ON YOUR UMRAH JOURNEY THIS RAMADAN

Al Eman, our religious tours division, has introduced affordable packages for the Holy Month of Ramadan, for both nationals and resident expatriates. Our current packages for Ramadan include air tickets, quality accommodation and airport transfers from as low as OMR 355 per person on quad sharing basis.  Seats for this package are limited in this season, so book early enough and pray with peace on your journey of faith. Wish you all a Blessed Ramadan in Advance.

For more information and bookings, contact +968 98082470, 92471471, 93892655 or email us at [email protected]
ARABIA CARS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
2 FOR 1 CAR RENTAL! 

Rent any car from Arabia Cars, our car rental division during the Summer weekends and take your vehicle for two days for the price of one day!  This offer is valid until July 2017 on cars rented from the ArabiaCars Muscat Office situated at Al Said Plaza, 1st Floor, Qurm and is only valid on Thursday Evening 6 pm to Saturday Evening 6 pm only!

For more, call us at +968 24661877 or email us [email protected] .
MEDICARE - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
FLIGHT AMBULANCE SERVICE FROM OMAN TO ANYWHERE!

Medicare Tourism, our medical and wellness division is now the representative of FAI (Flight Ambulance Jet) in Oman. Representing this German Air Ambulance Service provider that offers impeccable Bed to Bed transportation service, makes Travel Point the only company in Oman to provide this service for those in critical health conditions, seeking an airlift for immediate treatment at international hospitals with impeccable timing are care. Operating from Oman to anywhere in the world, the FAI service has no restrictions; flying adults, infants and newborns as well. It is a 24 hour service provider with a highly qualified and multilingual medical team onboard to cater to the medical needs of the patient on board.
 
When in need of such emergencies, feel free to call us on +968 99232577 or email us at [email protected].
HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? DISCOVER OMAN!
SNAKE CANYON

Snake Canyon is located near Balad Sayt in Wadi Bani Awf. This via ferrata route offers an exciting series of traverses and zip line crossings' 100m above the canyon floor. The climb takes around 4 hours.
INDUSTRY NEWS

To promote tourism of Oman, the Ministry of Tourism has signed agreements with Russia, China and Iran to speed up visa processes. Hotels ranging from three to five stars and tour operators will be able to process visas for groups coming from the above countries. OMR 60 million has been set aside for tourism projects over the next three years. This strategy aims at implementing a decrease in dependency from oil revenue.
VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR INDIANS IN UAE FOR VALID US VISA AND GREEN CARD HOLDERS

Indian citizens who hold ordinary passports and have been granted Visit Visa or a Green Card from the US are permitted UAE entry from all entry points for a stay period of 14 days, extendable for a similar period (One time only). Entry permits will be granted on the condition that the validity of the applicant's passport is not less than six months. 
OMAN AIR WINS 'BEST ARAB AIR CARRIER SUPPORTING ARAB TOURISM' AWARD

Oman Air, the National Carrier of Sultanate of Oman, is celebrating the latest in a string of prestigious wins, following the presentation to the airline of the 'Best Arab Air Carrier supporting Arab Tourism' award. The 2017 Arab Tourism Media Awards ceremony organised by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media was held at Roda Al Bustan Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 
ETIHAD AIRWAYS LAUNCHES THE DREAMLINER INTO AMMAN

Etihad Airways has started operating its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Abu Dhabi - Amman route, as part of its daily schedules between the two capitals. The new two-class Dreamliner features the airline's next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins, featuring 299 seats - 28 in Business Class and 271 in Economy Class, representing a 65 per cent capacity increase on the route.  
TURKISH AIRLINES IMPLEMENTS NEW BAGGAGE POLICY

Turkish Airlines has implemented a new baggage allowance policy applicable on Air Tickets dated May 1st 2017 to July 1st 2017. As per the new baggage policy, the new allowance for Economy and Business Cabin will be 2 x 23 kgs. 
PREPAID EXCESS BAGGAGE FROM MUSCAT

Jet Airways has introduced special excess baggage rates for departures from Muscat. The rates for excess baggage's are OMR 15 for 5 kgs and OMR 25 for 10 kgs. Passengers can apply for these rates until 6 hours before departure.
GULF AIR TO LAUNCH WEEKLY FLIGHTS TO TBILISI

Gulf Air is introducing a weekly flight to Tbilisi from 22nd June 2017. Since Georgia is becoming one of the favorite destinations amongst the travelers, Gulf Air aims at making travel plans more convenient for travelers to this gorgeous country. Book early to save! 
SRILANKAN AIRLINES FARES ON SALE

SriLankan Airlines is has commenced a Mega Sale from 28th April till 17th May, 2017. A customer will be able to take home a 20% discount on a round trip from Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and Gan Island. The passenger will also get a baggage bonus of 50 kg but also an added bonus of 7 kg on cabin baggage.
VISA ON ARRIVAL IN PERU!

Visiting Peru has become easier, Indian citizens, having a valid US, UK, Australia, Schengen or Canada visa will get a visa on arrival when travelling to Peru, either for leisure or business.  Travelers can visit Peru once or multiple times and stay in Peru for 180 days in a year. 
T3 CONNECT
UBAIZ IN ISTANBUL - A TRAVEL DIARY

Our team member, Ubaiz V. P. , took a trip to Istanbul aboard Turkish Airlines and returned absolutely refreshed with fascinating insights into the history of this amazing city, which has left him with the curiosity to explore it some more!
His trip lasted for 5 days towards the end of March 2017, right in time for the The Tulip Festival, which Ubaiz says was his trip's highlight!

To him it was a visual treat to behold colorful Tulips lined on every corner of the city. "Istanbul is remarkably clean!" he exclaims. The weather is fantastic this time of the year, which perfectly complemented the vibe, beauty and art in the city that made Ubaiz have a mesmerizing rendezvous with Turkey. The food was delicious too!
 
His recommendations:
  • Do not to miss the Bosphorus Tour
  • Pay a visit to the Blue Mosque
  • Check out the Old Market Hagia Sophia
  • Stroll around the Emigran Park
This trip has deepened his perception of extraordinary Istanbul and says it is a must visit in one's lifetime!
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
PARCHA-DOSHEME PLOV
TRADITIONAL RECIPE OF AZERBAIJAN

Ingredients:
3 cups long-grain white  basmati rice
4 tablespoons  butter , melted
1 cup peeled  chestnuts
1/ 2 cup pitted dried apricot, halved
1 cup  barberries
1/ 2 cup  pitted dates
1/2  cup  golden raisin
1 1/2 lbs  boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into 2-inch cubes
1 medium  onion , peeled, cut in half lengthways, then thinly sliced in half-circles
1/3  teaspoon ground saffron threads dissolved in 3 tbsp  hot water
Ground black pepper 

Method:
(1)  Rinse the rice in lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
(2) Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of salt and add the rice. Soak for 15 minutes or so. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled chestnuts and stir-fry for 3 minutes.Add the apricots, barberries and dates. Keep cooking for another three minutes. Lastly add the golden raisins and stir fry for one more minute. Remove from heat.
(3) Put 10 cups of salted water in a large pot. Drain the rice and add to the pot. Boil for 7 to 10 minutes. The rice is done when it rises to the top of the pot. Don't overcook! The rice should be just a tiny bit chewy, not too soft. Bite a piece to make sure. Drain it in a colander and set aside.
(4) Melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Put the uncooked chicken cubes in the bottom of the pot, distributing evenly. Add about a half teaspoon of salt and some pepper. Cover the chicken with the sliced onions and simmer for three minutes or so. Cover the chicken and onions with half of the rice. Spread the fruit and nut mixture out on top and then put the rest of the rice on top of that. Pour a tablespoon of melted butter on top.
(5) Put a clean dishtowel or two layers of paper towel over the pot. Be very careful to fold up the corners or otherwise make certain that the dishtowel or paper towel is nowhere near the flame. Put the stockpot lid on top of the towel and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 30 minutes, without stirring or disturbing it in any way.
(6) Combine the crushed saffron threads with three tablespoons of hot water. Stir until the water turns a deep orange. Pour the saffron water over the top of the plate and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
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

Arabia Cars - A division of Travel Point
(Rent-a-Car)
Phone: +968 2466 1877

Al Eman - A division of Travel Point
(Hajj & Umrah)
Phone: +968 2466 1800

MediCare - A division of Travel Point
(Medical Tourism)
Phone: +968 2466 1877

India Representation
(Tour Oman)
New Delhi
Phone: +91 9971 5645 51
India Representation
(Tour Oman)
Mumbai
Phone: +91 22 2660 3222
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