Sharjah-based low-cost carrier, Air Arabia, in co-ordination with Oman’s Tourism Ministry, has started new flights from its UAE hub to Salalah starting from today.

The services will be welcomed by the Ministry and Salalah, which is positioning itself as a year-round destination for adventure, nature and leisure travelers, a statement from the airline company said.

The launch coincides with this year’s edition of the Salalah Tourism Festival (STF 2012), Dhofar’s biggest annual cultural and entertainment show which attracts thousands of local, regional and international tourists every year, the statement said.

The festival runs from June 21 to July 18. The launch also coincides with the Khareef season, which runs from July until the end of September.

The new flights enhance Salalah’s reputation as a major year-round tourist destination, and a favorite venue for the Middle East’s rapidly expanding Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) market, the statement said. The flights from Sharjah will depart on Thursdays and Saturdays, returning on the same day.

Ghasi Al Hashmi, director general assistant of tourism promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “Air Arabia’s services between Sharjah and Salalah will be welcomed by Salalah’s tourism industry. They represent a 100 per cent increase in non-stop capacity from the UAE, with excellent connections to Dammam in Saudi Arabia, another large potential leisure market for Salalah.”

“We are confident that our partnership with Air Arabia will unlock more exciting growth possibilities in a range of segments and from across its GCC network. We believe that it is the perfect time to launch the new flights as it coincides with the Salalah Tourism Festival, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Oman,” he said.

Adel Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia, said: “Salalah has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Gulf and entire Middle East due to its truly unique attractions and its pleasant climate.”

“The flights scheduled are particularly conducive for weekend holidays in Salalah, giving families and groups a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the weekend. Today’s inaugural service will reinforce our presence and allow us to capitalise on the huge potential of Salalah as major travel destination in the region,” he said. – TradeArabia News Service