Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is in strategic partnership with Oman Air to launch a summer travel campaign in time for its ‘Khareef’ monsoon season, which is widely celebrated in Salalah.

The launching event was recently held at Safir International Hotel in Kuwait City, with around 200 travel agents in attendance.

The special packages unveiled include discounted rates to some of the Sultanate’s top hotels, free iftar dinners, and free extra night stays.

The airline will also introduce a new brochure highlighting Oman’s touristic attractions and encourage travelers to avail of the 10 weekly flights from Kuwait to Muscat to take part in Oman’s colorful Khareef festivities.

Last year the Sultanate welcomed almost 27,000 visitors from Kuwait topping the previous year’s number by 14 per cent. The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s online accommodation booking partners add that their transactions grew from 25 to 40 per cent in 2011.

The Salalah Tourism Festival and Muscat’s declaration as Arab Tourism Capital for 2012 by the Arab League’s Tourism Ministers are some of the major factors expected to further drive up its touristic appeal this year.

Gamal Sadek, director, Oman Ministry of Tourism, representative offices, GCC, said: “Every year from late June to September the Khareef monsoon rains transform Oman into a paradise of greenery and mist. It is during this period that we hold a comprehensive calendar of cultural and entertainment events for the Salalah Tourism Festival.”

“Through our collaboration with Oman Air we intend to encourage more travelers from Kuwait to take respite from the summer heat and join our various festivities. Oman Ministry of Tourism is keen to introduce Salalah and Oman to the Kuwaiti market,” he said.

The airline will reward Kuwaiti guests by offering comprehensive promotions that focus on convenience, a fulfilling experience, and flexible options.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has been cooperating with the airline to attract more international transit passengers and short-break travelers from the GCC markets. Among the Ministry’s key initiatives are stop-over and value offers as well as a unique year-round cultural, entertainment and sporting events calendar. – TradeArabia News Service