Volume 2  | Issue 7 | 2017
CEO'S MESSAGE

Dear Reader,

Eid-al-Fitr  marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A religious day celebrated by Muslims the world over, it is also known as "feast of breaking the fast". On behalf of all at Travel City & Travel Point, on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all.
 
We are extremely pleased to inform you that we have had an overwhelming response to our request for 'Donation to Africa' campaign done during Ramadan.   It was indeed heartwarming to see so many generous people bringing boxes of clothes, books, bags and more for donation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions. Keep the charity going!
 
After months of speculation on the e-VISA system, it's official & live. The ROP has unveiled the new online e-VISA system recently where you can apply from anywhere in the world and receive your VISA in 5 minutes. This is by far one of the most significant Tourism related reform we have seen in current times in the Sultanate.
 
Khareef is around the corner and our Khareef packages are selling fast for this year's Khareef festival! So book early to avoid disappointment.
 
We also welcome Mr. Vikas Heda on board as our new Head - Finance and Strategy and extend him our support and wishes for a long and enjoyable tenure with our family. Mr.Huda brings in a rich experience in Finance and his last posting was Director of Finance at Marriott International.
 
The excitement of Eid Holidays is over and it's time to get back to work again. Happy working! 

Sunil Prabhakar
Chief Executive Officer
Travel Consortium
DESTINATION VIETNAM
SIMPLY BREATHTAKING.

A breathtaking landscape to find yourself in, Vietnam is truly a hidden gem. The Vietnamese are the most friendly and hospitable people you will come across. It is a country covered with paddy fields, beautiful beaches, and is also home to the world's largest cave Hang Son Doong. Filled with a long history, rich tradition and Buddhist influence, Vietnam offers an unique experience like no other.
TRAVEL CONSORTIUM NEWS
SUMITH WINS OMAN AIR'S SALES AWARD!

Oman Air recently announced the first winner of its new incentive scheme for travel agents in Oman.
Sumith K.P. of Travel City was rewarded with a Mini Cooper in recognition of his excellent sales in the first quarter of 2017.

The car was presented to Sumith by Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch.

Sumith said: "Initiatives like this are very motivating for us and we thank Oman Air for pioneering a scheme like this. This is a highly competitive segment but with the right attitude and service, travel agents try and retain their loyal customer base."

Congratulations Sumith and we look forward to your continued good work!
TRAVEL SMARTER WITH MALINDO AIR!

Planning a quick trip for the summer vacation to India and Pakistan? With return fares start from OMR 66, fly to Malaysia and beyond with Malindo Air. Whether you are looking for a tropical paradise, sandy beaches, relaxing escapade, shopping haven or simply a new adventure to embark on, be amazed by the destinations that Malindo Air has to offer.

For more information, contact us at +968 99319410 or write to us at malindoairoman@atctp.com.
KLM TAKES NEXT STRATEGIC SOCIAL MEDIA STEP WITH FLIGHT INFO ON TWITTER & WECHAT

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines now offers their customers around the world booking confirmation, check-in notification, boarding pass and flight status updates in 10 languages on Twitter and WeChat. This makes information   easy to find in a single place, so it is available at the airport, en route or at home. Customers can also contact KLM's social media service agents 24/7 directly via Twitter and WeChat.

The new service will be available to all KLM customers who book tickets or check in via KLM.com and opt-in to receive information via Twitter or WeChat. In 2016, KLM was the first airline worldwide to offer flight documents and information via Messenger. Now, it is first again on Twitter and first airline outside China offering flight info on WeChat.
US-BANGLA AIRLINES LAUNCHES WINTER SCHEDULE

This winter, take a direct flight to Chittagong. Effective 29th October 2017, fly daily to Chittagong from Muscat. Passengers can choose to fly onward to Dhaka via Chittagong.

For more information, call the US-Bangla Airlines office at +968 24830724 or email them at sales@usbanglaairlinesom.com or reservations@usbanglaairlinesom.com
AVAIL 25% DISCOUNT TO DOHA AND MUSCAT ON PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES (PIA)

Good news to all passengers travelling to Doha and Muscat from Pakistan! Book your tickets to Doha or Muscat from Pakistan and avail upto 25% discount. Starting from OMR 42 for one way and OMR 108 for return, passengers can also fly to Dhaka via Pakistan.
PIA has also introduced flights to Islamabad, Sialkot, Karachi, Dhaka and Lahore from Salalah.
For more information, call the Pakistan International Airlines offices at +968 24792460/61/65 or email mcttopk@piac.aero
EXPERIENCE KHAREEF AT AJWAN

Ajwan Hotel Apartments is a charming property with 126 rooms overlooking the exquisiteness of Salalah's natural beauty. Visitors can trek through lush green countryside from June to September enjoying temperatures in the mid 30's. Starting at OMR 85 for 2 Bedroom Apartments and OMR 145 for 4 Bedroom Apartments, Ajwan Hotel Apartments is the perfect Khareef getaway!
 
To book now, contact us at +968 99420889 or write to us at touroman@atctp.com.
VACATIONS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
AZKONOBEL TRAVELS TO SWITZERLAND!

Vacations recently handled the Azkonobel group that travelled to Switzerland. It was all paid trip for their top sellers in Oman. Akzonobel is a dutch company with its headquarters based in Amsterdam. This year, 25 people qualified for the tour. All arrangements were made by Travel Point including visa facilitations. The group enjoyed the excursion to Mt. Titlis! The trip was a success with many happy faces. 

For more information and bookings, call us at  +968 99233829 or email us at  vacations@atctp.com.
TOUR OMAN - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
TOUR OMAN HANDLES SRI LANKA'S IATA AGENTS MEET

Tour Oman successfully handled the IATA Agents Associates Meet of Sri Lanka, affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Over 110 members attended the 29th Annual General Meet of the Association which took place at Al Falaj Hotel. The event was organized to showcase the beauty of Oman to key personnel from the Travel Industry in Sri Lanka.

Faris Deen, CEO, Gabo Travels commented, "Everything went out very well and I would like to thank the team and appreciate their attention to detail and the reliability, well done."

For all queries, kindly contact us at touroman@atctp.com or call us +968 24661800
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 touroman@atctp.com.
ARABIA CARS - A DIVISION OF TRAVEL POINT
2 FOR 1 CAR RENTAL! 

Rent any car from ArabiaCars, 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 arabiacars@atctp.com .
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 medicare@atctp.com.
HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? DISCOVER OMAN!
MASIRAH ISLAND

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. 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
DAMAC CHOSEN FOR USD1 BILLION HISTORIC PORT TRANSFORMATION OF OMAN'S WATERFRONT TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

DAMAC International has been chosen by the Oman Government to develop its Port Sultan Qaboos into a world-class, waterfront mix use destination through a joint venture with Omran, the government's investment, growth and development arm.
'Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront' is being redeveloped into a USD1 billion integrated tourist port and lifestyle destination that includes hotels, residences, as well as a dining, retail and leisure offering.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by  Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of DAMAC Properties, and His Excellency Dr.  Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Chairman of Omran, in the presence of His Excellency Dr.  Ahmed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport & Communications and Omran board member, as well as other members of the Omran board and key dignitaries.
DUBAI AMONG WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE AIRBNB MARKETS

Dubai is ranked as one of the most expensive destinations in the Bloomberg World Airbnb Cost Index of more than 100 cities.

At $180, prices in Dubai rose by more than 7 percent year-on-year to be named the third most expensive in the world, behind Miami and Reykjavik.

The Bloomberg index also revealed that hotel room rates in Dubai over the same period fell by 28 percent to $175. In April last year, Dubai Tourism signed an agreement with Airbnb to allow homeowners to apply for licences without having to commission a third party as a management operator.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN FRANCE

Oman's Ministry of Tourism's international office in France won the prestigious 'Victoires du Tourisme' award, after it was voted the best tourism office in France.

Readers of French travel magazine 'Le Quotidien du Tourisme' vote for the best business enterprises, travel agencies and tourism professionals operating in France. South Africa and Spain were the two other finalists. 

"The award is testimony to the dedication of our dynamic, responsive, and passionate team in France, and further reinstates the importance of having an exclusive Oman office for tourism in international markets," said Salim Adi Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism.
OMAN LAUNCHES E-VISA SYSTEM

Oman has launched an e-Visa which can be applied for online and is available for all countries and nationalities, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has said.

The project aims to fasten the application and fee-paying process through an online payment portal, as well as also link it with relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Manpower with regards to work-permits, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to find in relation to the validity of the commercial register and the Ministry of Civil Service in respect of government visas for foreign civil servants.

The announcement comes as the Sultanate's tourism sector witnessed three million tourists last year, a number that is expected to reach 4.7 million in 2020.
SALALAH TOURISM FESTIVAL IS UNDERWAY

Sixty-three days of fun have begun at the Salalah Tourism Festival 2017 under the slogan "Oman prosperity and development".

This year's programme includes a variety of activities in various religious aspects economic, cultural, heritage, social, sports, artistic and entertainment. Theatre performances will be hosted as well as traditional arts and crafts from 35 different countries.  Most of the events will take place at the Municipal Entertainment Centre, which houses several theatres exhibition halls,  a traditional village and a children's village.

The Salalah Tourism Festival contributes to the revitalisation of tourism in the autumn season which attracts family tourism from all governorates of the Sultanate and GCC countries.
Official and civil authorities are prepared for the success of the tourist season this year and to receive visitors to the province and provide all facilities and services that meet the needs of tourists.

The festival will end on the 31st of August 2017.
DUBAI LAUNCHES SMART WALLET SCHEME FOR TRAVELLERS

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has launched a new advanced smart scheme enabling travellers to use their smartphones instead of their passport or express gate cards at the airport.

Dubbed 'Emirates Smart Wallet', the system is meant to further streamline travel movement across DXB, and is considered the first of its kind in the world, according to state news agency, WAM.

The programme was launched at the airport's departure terminal by Dubai deputy chief of police and public security, lieutenant general Dhahi Khalfan Tamim and Dubai naturalisation and residency department, head, Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri.

Launched in its first phase, the system, will incorporate traveller personal data, such as Emirates ID and passport information as well as the e-gate card data.
SOHAR AIRPORT TO OPERATE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Salam Air's first flight to Sohar arrived at the airport on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 28th, according to the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in Oman. The flight came in from Salalah airport. 

PACA also said it has approved Air Arabia to operate direct flights between Sohar and Sharjah airports with three flights a week.  The regulator added that it will announce the start dates for the flights to Sohar Airport at a later date. 
QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES SERVICE TO DUBLIN

Flying to Dublin from Muscat has now become more convenient and comfortable. Starting 12th June 2017, fly from Muscat to Dublin with return fares starting at OMR 192 for Economy and OMR 829 for Business Class on Qatar Airways. The flights operate four times a week i.e. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 
SAVE UPTO 20% ON EXCESS BAGGAGE WITH GULF AIR

Travelling with excess baggage? Prepay and enjoy lower rates! Pay for your excess baggage before going to the airport and save up to 20% off the available rates at the airport.

Prepaid excess baggage can be added to your booking up to 24 hours prior to departure. To purchase your prepaid excess baggage, visit your nearest Gulf Air office.
JET AIRWAYS LAUNCHES MULTIFLYER PROMOTION

Jet Airways recently launched a guest-centric promotion for corporate and individual travelers. Flying frequently to India in Economy or Premiere with Jet Airways can reduce your travel costs. Book two or four round trips at once and confirm the first flight, gaining the flexibility to change dates of travel without any penalty. Enjoy one year validity, date changes, rerouting, no show without any penalty.

For more details, visit your nearest Jet Airways office.
AIR ARABIA EXPANDS AFRICAN NETWORK

Starting 4 th July 2017, fly to Hargeisa, Somaliland with Air Arabia.  The flights will operate twice a week, and come on top of Air Arabia's six other destinations across Africa in Egypt, Sudan, and Kenya. Return fare starts from OMR 124.

Air Arabia said it believes the new route will establish Hargeisa as a popular travel destination and appeal to growing tourism and trade sectors. Air Arabia currently operates flights to over 130 routes across the world.
TURKISH AIRLINES STRIKES AGREEMENT WITH TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA)

Turkish Airlines has added another feature to its fantastic global offerings through its new agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Members of a Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler program may now experience TSA Pre ® expedited screening at airport security checkpoints in the United States. Light jackets, shoes, and belts may remain on. To experience TSA Pre ®, members enrolled in a trusted traveler program must add their Known Traveler Number to reservations with Turkish Airlines at the kiosk or check-in counters. When checking in, a TSA Pre ® indicator will appear on each boarding pass.

To learn more, visit your nearest Turkish Airlines office.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
CHICKEN VERMICELLI SALAD

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 Chicken Breasts, pounded thin
¼ cup Sugar
2 Shallots, minced
2 teaspoons low Sodium Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Nuoc Cham:
2/3 cups Warm Water
¼ cup Fish Sauce
¼ cup Lime Juice (juice of about 3 limes)
3 tablespoons Sugar
1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Red Thai Chili-cored, seeded, and sliced thin
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1 tablespoon Shredded Cucumber
1 tablespoon Shredded Carrot

For the Salad:
8 oz dried Rice Vermicelli
½ of a head of Red or Green Leaf Lettuce, sliced thin
1 Cucumber, peeled, de-seeded, and shredded
1 Carrot, shredded
½ cup Roasted Peanuts, chopped
Cilantro, to taste
Mint Leaves, to taste

Method:
To prepare the Chicken Marinade:
(1) In a small saucepan combine sugar and ½ cup water. In the microwave or stove-top, heat another 1/3 cup of water and set aside.
(2) Heat saucepan with sugar over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Then, stop stirring and allow mixture to boil, untouched, for about 10-12 minutes, until mixture turns a deep golden brown. Turn off the heat and pour in the additional hot water - do this very quickly and carefully so that you do not burn yourself. Mixture will sputter and bubble up a bit and then settle down. Stir until caramel becomes liquid-y. Set mixture aside to cool.
(3) Meanwhile, prepare a second bowl with shallots, soy sauce, fish sauce, and olive oil. When caramel sauce is cool to the touch, add the caramel sauce to the shallot mixture. In marinating dish (or ziplock) add chicken and pour marinade over the meat.
(4) Marinate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

To prepare the Noodles:
(1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add vermicelli and boil per package instructions; mine took 5 minutes. Drain into a colander and run cold water over the noodles until they are cool to the touch. Set aside to drain while you prepare your remaining ingredients.

To prepare the Nuoc Cham:
(1) Combine water, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, vinegar, garlic, thai chili, shredded cucumber, and shredded carrot. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside.

To grill the Chicken:
(1)Brush a grill pan with vegetable oil and bring to high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and blot with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken is completely cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

To Serve:
(1) Prepare the noodle bowls by distributing a handful of lettuce, ¼ portion of noodles, and top with shredded carrot, cucumber, chopped peanuts, mint, and cilantro to taste.
(2) Top salads with sliced grilled chicken. Separate the Nuoc Cham into 4 portions for serving. (3) Pour sauce over salad and mix immediately prior to eating.  Makes 4 noodle bowls.
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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