MAGIC OF MUSCAT BECKONS KUWAIT TRAVELLERS AS HOTEL, FLIGHT PACKAGES ARE RELAUNCHED


Kuwait, November 24,2002: Six Continents Hotels and Oman Air joined forces again to present Kuwait travellers with fresh opportunities to enjoy value-for-money breaks in Muscat, one of the region’s most hospitable getaway destinations.
 
The Middle East’s largest hotel operator and the Sultanate’s dedicated carrier re-launched their highly successful Magic of Muscat packages during a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Kuwait. They allow local leisure travellers to take lavish breaks with Oman Air from Kuwait to one of four hotel properties operated by Six Continents Hotels in the Omani capital of Muscat.
 
Thousands of travellers took advantage of the joint travel initiative when it was introduced in the Kuwait last winter, and Six Continents Hotels and Oman Air have responded by reintroducing the packages for a second year. Again, the Magic of Muscat offers are also available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Qatar.
 
Available from November 2002 to September 2003, the packages will be attractive for short breaks from Kuwait, and valid for residents and citizens of other Gulf Countries.
 
The accommodation options are the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat (KWD 138 per person), the InterContinental Muscat (KWD118 pp), Crowne Plaza Muscat (KWD 113 pp) and the Holiday Inn Muscat (KWD 106 pp). Prices include return airfare, two nights’ accommodation (twin sharing), breakfast, service charges and taxes.
 
Magic of Muscat 2
 
“This joint initiative was a major success last year, and we are delighted to extend our working relationship with Oman Air to allow more travellers from  Kuwait, and other parts of the Gulf, to discover the true magic of Muscat, and the Sultanate as a whole”, said Issa Al Hajry, Regional Vice President Operations, Oman, Six Continents Hotels,
 
“Our initiative with Six Continents Hotels last year proved very positive in introducing Oman as a popular leisure destination, and we have seen a steady increase in visitors from the other GCC countries,” said Mohammed Al Shikely, Senior Manager, Marketing Planning, of Oman Air, which covers 20 international destinations including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. 
 
Commenting on the Oman Air Product, Mrs. Elhaam Al Busaidy, Country Manager, UAE said:  ”The frequency of flights offered by Oman Air is unique and makes us the premier carrier targeting business passengers as well as tourists. With the new  B737 aircraft and the renowned ATR–42 commuter aircraft, friendly, caring and multilingual crew, and a convenient schedule, Oman Air is the foremost choice among many frequent fliers in Kuwait. ”
 
Each of the hotels taking part in The Magic of Muscat offer guests a relaxed setting between the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar mountains, while each retaining their own special features and offering famously warm Omani hospitality.
 
The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel Muscat, rated one of the top 20 hotels in the world and recently refurbished, fuses Islamic architecture with contemporary state-of-the-art technology. A kilometer of private beach endears the hotel to those in search of privacy and pampering.
 
Close to Muscat’s main commercial districts and just 15 minutes from the airport, the InterContinental Hotel Muscat is a delightfully friendly hotel which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. The pool, beach, and a lazy river, set among beachfront gardens, and shaded by palm trees, offer guests a relaxing tropical experience. Two of three new restaurants serve international cuisine and Mexican dishes, while the world’s only Trader Vics with an outdoor terrace lays on genuine Polynesian treats.
Magic of Muscat 3
 
The Crowne Plaza Muscat has a beautifully landscaped setting in the prestigious “Qurum Heights” area, with the business, diplomatic and shopping districts just moments away by car.  The hotel’s deluxe rooms and suites boast a commanding cliff top view of the Gulf of Oman. Diners can choose between Persian, Italian, Lebanese, international, and traditional dishes served in the hotel’s restaurants. 
 
The Holiday Inn Muscat provides a range of contemporary entertainment, from the genteel Churchill English Pub to the Maisalreem Bar and the Sports Bar, complete with big screen viewing of top sports events. Health and fitness facilities include a gymnasium, sauna, floodlit tennis court and swimming pools.
 
Captions:

  • The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel Muscat, rated one of the top 20 hotels in the world.
  • The InterContinental Hotel Muscat is a delightfully friendly hotel which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
  • The Crowne Plaza Muscat has a beautifully landscaped setting in the prestigious “Qurum Heights” area.
  • The Holiday Inn Muscat provides a range of contemporary entertainment.

 
 
Note to editors:
 
Six Continents Hotels reservations worldwide can be made by phoning the following toll free numbers in  Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), the UAE (800 4642), Bahrain (800 880), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233) and Qatar (0800 971234). 
Six Continents is a leading global hospitality group with over 3,300 hotels across nearly 100 countries and territories and over 2,000 restaurants and bars in the UK and Germany.
-           Six Continents Hotels is a leading global hotel group whose brands include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites.  It owns, operates or franchises more than 3,300 hotels and over 515,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. 
-               Six Continents Retail is the UK's leading managed pubs, bars and restaurant group with over 2,000 outlets including brands such as Vintage Inns, Harvester, Toby, Browns, All Bar One, It’s A Scream, O'Neill's, Edward’s, Ember Inns and Goose. 
-                    Britvic Soft Drinks is one of the leading UK producers and distributors of branded soft drinks with brands such as Tango, Robinsons, Britvic and the UK franchise for Pepsi.
 
-Ends.-
 
Tony Lewis/ Vesela Todorova
Total Communications, PO Box 53009, Dubai, UAE
Tel: + (9714) 3369909   Fax:  + (9714) 3369905
Email: tony@totalcompr.com / vesela@totalcompr.com
 

© Press Release 2002