Escape the sizzling heat this summer to a cool tropical climate in Salalah with Oman Air packages

Dubai, June 13, 2006: The Hilton Salalah Resort is getting ready to welcome guests from across the region and beyond for the upcoming Khareef season with special Oman Air packages. The idyllic retreat will experience tropical monsoon rains, a rarity for the region, and festivities unique to Oman.

Khareef is the local name for the Indian monsoon, which sweeps across the Omani southern coast each summer as it nears the end of its course. The phenomenon runs from July until mid-September, and brings with it mild weather and refreshing rains, transforming the normally dry and arid landscape into a lush and misty oasis almost overnight.

"The Khareef season is one for all to experience," said Guy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, Hilton International, Arabian Peninsula. "It occurs at a time when the region experiences soaring and uncomfortable temperatures, and gives visitors an opportunity to experience an alternative climate with cool climes, landscape and culture all in one trip."

The Hilton Salalah Resort has partnered with Oman Air Holidays to offer travellers an unbeatable package from July 1st to end of August. Starting at just AED 2325 per person, UAE residents can fly from Dubai directly to Salalah for three nights with Oman Air. In addition to return flights and accommodation, the delightful package includes daily buffet breakfast, complimentary airport transfers and all hotel taxes and service charges.

The Hilton Salalah Resort is no new face in the Sultanate, providing regional guests a getaway haven and international travellers a taste of Middle Eastern hospitality and culture.  The resort houses 147 deluxe family rooms, some of the largest in the region and executive suites that boast spectacular seaside views. With access to a private beachfront as well as some of the finest restaurants and facilities, guests will be spoilt for choice.

Basking in the heart of Salalah, the Hilton Salalah Resort will be alive with Khareef activity, offering weekly culinary theme nights and entertainment programmes that include performances by Arabic and Indian entertainers. 

The Khareef festival remains the season's cultural highlight. It celebrates Oman's glorious culture and heritage by showcasing live performances by Omani singers and dancers, Omani folklore shows, exhibitions of authentic Omani handcrafts, artistic events, sports and other amusement activities, all contributing to an unforgettable experience.

With hot temperatures rising across the rest of the Gulf, the Hilton Salalah Resort is the perfect beachside haven for thousands of visitors in the summer as a respite from the relentless heat. With a beautiful landscape steeped in history, a host of activities, entertainment and the Sultanate's annual Khareef festival, the resort promises travellers a memorable break.

"There is so much to enjoy during the annual Khareef season, and this year is no different. Our resort is the perfect spot to experience this unique climate, and remains the ideal destination for both families and couples, offering a little something for all," concluded Epsom.

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About Hilton Corporation
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with nearly 2,800 hotels and 485,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, with 150,000 team members worldwide. 

More than 2,300 hotels are owned, managed or franchised in the USA with a portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton, Conrad, Coral by Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Scandic and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection.

Outside the USA, the company operates 261 hotels branded Hilton and 129 under the mid-market Scandic brand. 

The company currently operates 31 hotels in the Middle East 17 hotels in Egypt, eight hotels in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait. This includes the 46-suite Qasr Al Sharq, or 'Palace of the Orient' Hilton's first palace in the world. Hilton's heritage in the Arabian Peninsula stretches back over 30 years, when it became the first international hotel brand to open a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ain in 1972.

Later this year will also see the opening of the first phase of a Worldwide Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. New Hilton properties are also under development in Doha marking the company's first foray into Qatar, and the Arabian Peninsula's first Conrad hotel in Dubai, in addition to a beach club, also in Dubai.

For more information about our company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com. To download images please visit www.vismedia-online.com

The Hilton Reservations and Customer Care telephone numbers in the Middle East are as follows:
UAE - 8000 20000 11  
Qatar - 800 97103
KSA - 800 82000 10
Egypt - 19009
Bahrain - 8000 4058   
Jordan - 00 202 5805927
Kuwait - 371 1434
Lebanon - 00 202 5805928
Oman - 800 788788 
Syria - 00 202 5805926

For more information please contact:
Sue Parry
Anoushka Misra
Hilton International Arabian Peninsula Press Office
ASDA'A Public Relations
Edelman exclusive Middle East affiliate
Tel: 971-4-3344550
Fax: 971-4-3344556
Email: info@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006