MiCE agents explore Oman

As one of the most frequent travel hubs for travellers in GCC countries, Oman is set to welcome more tourists with its new ease of visa process. Salam Air, which started operations from Salalah to Dubai, hosted key agents to discover and explore the aircraft as well as the destination.

TT Bureau

Mudassir Dhanse, Country Manager—UAE, SalamAir
We wanted to promote Oman as a diverse destination for leisure, MiCE as well as weekend gateway. As SalamAir entered the market recently, it was essential that we present our valuable agents the services and product offerings of the airline. In close collaboration with our partners Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and Al Bustan Palace, we were able to organise a familiarisation tour for some of the dnata agents who look after leisure, MiCE, business and events in the UAE so that there can be a stronger connection of even weekend getaways to various locations within Oman.

Siraj Memon, Director of Sales, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
Everyone knows how beautiful Oman is. However, not many venture out to Salalah to explore this hidden gem which is just 1 hour and 30 mins away from Dubai; specially the corporate companies who look at other destinations for their offsite meetings and conferences. With dnata team handling these requests from the corporate accounts, it only made sense to introduce the destination to the people behind the scenes who recommend destinations to these corporate houses. I am looking forward to a great partnership with dnata and their clients to be our guests.

Rahil Khan, Director of Sales, Al Bustan Palace
In collaboration with Anantara, we showcased our authentic palace to the corporate world of Dubai. From families to business events, corporate stays, launch events for clients, we are geared to handle a plethora of activities that are well suited for our clientele. Our property has the space and ambience required for both locals who will travel from Dubai and even the expats. Oman and Dubai are in close proximity to each other and our intention is to promote the destination especially as a weekend getaway hub for expats and locals alike. It was a pleasure to have partnered with SalamAir to host these agents.

Aamir Faisal, Regional Business Manager, dnata Travel
SalamAir seems like an efficient and functional product. The aircraft was quite fresh with good legroom space. The new Muscat airport adds to the overall flying experience with SalamAir. Both Anantara Hotels in Oman are quite spectacular. The Jebal Akhdar property up in the mountains is a very good fit for mid-sized conferences and incentive groups. Team activities like group trekking are quite novel for this region. Anantara Al Baleed in Salalah is a hidden jewel. The pool villas are aesthetic and create a truly memorable experience for guests.

Alex Locke, Regional Business Manager HRG, dnata Travel
The flight check-in, boarding and in-flight services at SalamAir were easy, modern and comfortable. Coupled with the flight, we had a unique adventure during our stay at Anantara Resort, Al Jabal Al Akhdar with spacious rooms and high-quality facilities. The resort offers fabulous restaurant choices and a beautiful spa to relax. What followed was also the opportunity to stay with Anantara Salalah, with our own private villa and pool. Oman is a diverse country with mountains, coastlines, beaches and the most welcoming people.

Ratish Menon, Business Manager, HRG—UAE, dnata Travel
Our trip to Oman was an eye opener with its beautiful beaches, mountains and above all else, its warmhearted people. I believe that the people of a country are its true treasures, and Oman has it in abundance. The beautiful beaches and greenery in Salalah to the rugged terrain in Al Jabal and the cosmopolitan city of Muscat, Oman has it all and more for a relaxing family holiday as well as for corporates who are on the look-out for newer avenues for its corporate events. The Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Nizwa and Al Baleed Resort in Salalah are the perfect getaway you want with your family.

Caroline Harrott, Cash Back Manager – VAT Reclaim for Corporates, dnata Travel
SalamAir was a seamless and very friendly experience with faultless service. With four flights in four days, the experience and service delivery were consistent right from the check-in counter to the crew. As for Anantara properties, I never knew these gems existed in both locations. Anantara Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar has a unique location overlooking a canyon and highclass accommodation; not to mention the fantastic activities suggested by the hotel from walking through old villages to biking. We then moved to the second paradise in Oman, Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah with crème de la crème accommodation. Once we got out of this paradise, we enjoyed this magnificent city too.

Hirnakshi Mahadevia, Business Development Manager— Corporate Travel, dnata Travel
SalamAir is a true reflection of their tag line ‘Simply Omani’. Right from the moment we stepped into Terminal 2 Dubai International Airport, the holiday mood was set. The check-in was a breeze at all the airports – Dubai, Muscat and Salalah. The seats were quite comfortable and the baggage claims were very quick. The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is perched scenically overlooking the valleys, tiered farms and the three abandoned villages. The resort blends so beautifully into the surroundings and is spread wide to give every area perfect views of the mountains. The rooms were spacious and comfortable.

Jayshree Ranganathan, Key Account Manager, dnata Travel
Within a limited number of days, we were able to discover some of the most exclusive areas in Oman and experience first-hand flying in SalamAir A320 NEO. SalamAir and Anantara Resorts put together a fantastic Fam trip for the dnata Key Account Managers. We went in without knowing what to expect but were simply awestruck by the natural beauty of Oman. The efficiency and comfort of SalamAir flights (not to mention the new Muscat airport and lounge) impressed us, while the luxurious properties of Anantara resorts, bowled us over completely! The rustic mountain beauty of Anantara Jabal Akhdar and the calm serenity of Anantara Al Baleed villas at Salalah will remain etched in our memories forever.