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Oman Tourism Surge as 101 Countries Eligible Under Visa Free Travel Program

Oman is experiencing a significant boost in tourism following the introduction of a new visa-free travel program, which now includes 101 countries. This initiative is designed to make Oman more accessible to international travelers, encouraging visitors to explore the nation’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Oman welcomed nearly three million international tourists. The majority of international tourists visiting Oman come from India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Among these, India typically has the highest number of visitors to Oman, reflecting strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is a captivating nation located on the south eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, it boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from expansive deserts and rugged mountains to a stunning coastline along the Arabian Sea in 2022. G.D.P of Oman As of 2023, Oman’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be approximately $86 billion. The country’s economy is primarily driven by the oil and gas sector, which accounts for a significant portion of its revenue. However, Oman has been actively working on economic diversification under its Vision 2040 plan, focusing on sectors such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and fisheries to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons and promote sustainable economic growth. Airports in Oman Muscat International Airport is Oman’s busiest airport, handling millions of passengers annually with extensive international and domestic flights. It serves as a key hub for Oman Air and plays a pivotal role in the country’s connectivity and tourism growth. Salalah International Airport accommodates a significant number of passengers, especially during the Khareef season. It supports both international and regional flights, enhancing tourism in the Dhofar region. Khasab Airport serves the Musandam Peninsula, primarily catering to domestic traffic. It facilitates travel for residents and tourists exploring this remote and scenic part of Oman. Suhar International Airport has seen growing passenger traffic due to its strategic location in the Al Batinah region. It offers both domestic and regional flights, contributing to the area’s economic development. Duqm Airport, located in a rapidly developing industrial zone, handles increasing passenger numbers, primarily from business and industrial sectors. It supports flights that connect Duqm with other major cities in Oman. Thumrait Airport primarily serves military and cargo flights but also handles a modest amount of passenger traffic. It is located in the Dhofar region, supporting both military operations and regional connectivity. Ghaba Qarn Alam Airport, mainly serving the oil and gas industry, sees passenger traffic largely composed of industry professionals. It is crucial for supporting operations in central Oman. Ibra Airport serves the Ash Sharqiyah region, catering to local passenger traffic. It facilitates connectivity for residents and supports regional travel needs. Fahud Airport handles passenger traffic primarily related to the oil and gas sector. It is a vital link for workers and professionals traveling to and from the Fahud oil fields in central Oman. Airlines in Oman: Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, manages a substantial volume of passenger traffic, connecting Muscat to major cities worldwide. Renowned for its excellent service, the airline plays a crucial role in boosting Oman’s tourism and business travel sectors. SalamAir, a low-cost carrier, handles a significant number of passengers with its budget-friendly domestic and regional flights. Known for its affordability and reliability, SalamAir enhances connectivity across Oman and neighboring countries. Oman Royal Flight primarily serves the Sultanate’s royal family and government officials, handling a specialized volume of passenger traffic. It operates VIP and charter flights, ensuring secure and exclusive travel services. Muscat National Air Transport provides charter services and operates flights for both passenger and cargo traffic. It contributes to Oman’s aviation sector by offering flexible and tailored air transport solutions. Aviation Glamour offers private jet services, handling high-end passenger traffic for business executives and VIPs. It specializes in providing luxurious and exclusive travel experiences within Oman and to international destinations. Tourist attractions in Oman: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a stunning architectural marvel in Muscat, attracting thousands of visitors with its intricate design and serene ambiance. This iconic mosque is open to the public for free, offering a glimpse into Oman’s rich Islamic heritage. Nizwa Fort is a historic fortress in Nizwa, renowned for its impressive architecture and deep historical significance. It stands as a testament to Omani engineering and provides visitors with a fascinating journey through the country’s past. The Bimmah Sinkhole is a popular tourist attraction known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and unique geological formation. This natural wonder, open to the public for free, is perfect for swimming and picnicking in a picturesque setting. Bait Al Zubair is a cultural museum in Muscat that showcases Oman’s rich heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts, including traditional weapons, costumes, and household items. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into Omani culture and history. Oman is a captivating destination that blends ancient traditions with modern amenities, offering enriching experiences for all visitors. With luxurious hotels, eco-friendly accommodations, rich cultural heritage sites, and stunning natural landscapes, Oman caters to diverse interests. The recent tourism surge, driven by the visa-free travel program for 101 countries, highlights Oman’s growing allure. Whether exploring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nizwa Fort, or the beauty of the Wahiba Sands and Hajar Mountains, visitors will be enchanted by Oman’s hospitality and charm.

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World’s oldest fossil forest discovered in England

If reports are to go by, scientists have uncovered what they believe to be the world's oldest fossilised forest in cliffs on the coast of South West England. Discovered in high sandstone cliffs near Minehead, Somerset, close to a Butlin's holiday camp, researchers from Cambridge and Cardiff Universities assert that these are the oldest fossilised trees ever found in Britain and the oldest known forest on Earth. The trees resemble palm trees, and are known as calamophyton. These early tree prototypes were between two and four metres tall. The researchers identified fossils of plants, their debris, fossilised tree logs, and traces of roots. These fossils illustrate how early trees helped shape landscapes and stabilised riverbanks and coastlines hundreds of millions of years ago. "When I first saw pictures of the tree trunks, I immediately knew what they were, based on 30 years of studying this type of tree worldwide," said Dr. Christopher Berry from Cardiff's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. "It was amazing to see them so close to home. But the most revealing insight comes from seeing, for the first time, these trees in the positions where they grew." Dr. Paul Kenrick, an expert on plant fossils at the Natural History Museum who was not involved in the study, emphasised the significance of these clues about how plants grew together at that time. The fossil forest is estimated to be around four million years older than the previous record holder found in New York State. Located in the Hangman Sandstone Formation along the Devon and Somerset coasts, the fossil forest dates back to the Devonian Period, between 419 and 358 million years ago. This period is named after Devon because of the marine rocks emblematic of the era found off its coast. At the time of its existence, the area of the fossil forest was a semi-arid plain, attached not to England but to parts of Germany and Belgium, where similar fossils have been found. "This was a pretty weird forest - not like any forest you would see today," said Prof. Neil Davies from Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences, the study's first author. "There wasn't any undergrowth to speak of and grass hadn't yet appeared, but there were lots of twigs dropped by these densely-packed trees, which had a big effect on the landscape." Dr. Kenrick noted that these trees were very different from any known today. The most similar modern counterpart might be Dicksonia antarctica, a type of tree fern native to Australasia but popular in Britain as an ornamental plant.

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Malaysia Airlines unveils exclusive Business Class offers and additional privileges

Malaysia Airlines is offering exclusive Business Class fares starting from just INR 37,999 (all-in return) to a variety of enchanting destinations as the gateway to Asia and beyond. The sales period runs until 23 July 2024, for immediate travel up to 30 June 2025. Passengers can enjoy the airline’s Business Class fare offering for a premium travel experience, which comes with a generous check-in baggage allowance of 40 kg, two cabin baggage allowances of 7 kg each, free seat selection, priority check-in, baggage handling, as well as access to the airline’s exclusive Golden Lounges at KL International Airport Terminal 1. Additionally, travellers can enjoy an extra 5 per cent off until 23 July on flights purchased on the airline’s official website and mobile application for travel until 31 August 2024. Explore Malaysia’s hidden gems, the stunning beaches and majestic Mount Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu (BKI), the rich cultural heritage of Kuching (KCH), the delicious cuisine and historic sites of Penang (PEN), the tropical paradise of islands and nature in Langkawi (LGK), and Miri (MYY), the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu National Park. For international adventures, travellers can seize the opportunity to visit vibrant Hong Kong (HKG), the dynamic city of Seoul (ICN), the bustling metropolis of Tokyo (NRT), cosmopolitan Singapore (SIN), and the lively capital of Thailand Bangkok (BKK) with equally compelling offers. Now, travellers from Ahmedabad, Trivandrum, and Amritsar can also enjoy more convenient travel options, offering seamless connectivity and experiencing the renowned Malaysian Hospitality Economy Class travellers can also take advantage of the attractive deals, featuring a 10% discount on purchasing ancillary bundles such as value bundles, premium bundles, and MH Traveller’s Trio bundle, which includes a standard seat, 10kg extra baggage, and access to the KLIA Golden Lounge. Whether you’re exploring domestic treasures or venturing to international hubs, travellers can choose from a myriad of destinations within Malaysia Airlines’ global network, all while indulging in the comfort and convenience on board Malaysian Hospitality.

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Assam’s 700-yr-old Moidams to be considered for World Heritage List

The 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty — the Moidams from Assam — will be considered for nomination on the World Heritage List next week during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in New Delhi on Sunday. If the nomination comes through, it will become the first cultural site on the prestigious list from the northeastern region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 46th session of WHC, which is being held in India for the first time. The event, to be held at Bharat Mandapam from July 21 to 31, brings together culture ministers, representatives and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the preservation of shared cultural, natural and mixed heritage. The nomination dossier for the Moidams was sent more than a decade ago and is presently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the first step towards the monument becoming a part of the final list. Assam, Assam Moidams, Assam Moidams World Heritage List, Ahom dynasty, World Heritage Committee (WHC), Indian express news, current affairsThe Moidams in Assam. File picture The 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty — the Moidams from Assam — will be considered for nomination on the World Heritage List next week during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in New Delhi on Sunday. If the nomination comes through, it will become the first cultural site on the prestigious list from the northeastern region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 46th session of WHC, which is being held in India for the first time. The event, to be held at Bharat Mandapam from July 21 to 31, brings together culture ministers, representatives and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the preservation of shared cultural, natural and mixed heritage. The nomination dossier for the Moidams was sent more than a decade ago and is presently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the first step towards the monument becoming a part of the final list. It is among 28 sites proposed for inscription on the List, to be examined according to category: natural, mixed and cultural. Besides, the committee will also discuss the state of conservation of the 124 sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List, 57 of which are also on the list of World Heritage in Danger. Till date, the World Heritage Committee has inscribed 1,199 sites in 168 countries on the list. India has 44 of its sites on the list.

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Air India partners with The Bicester Collection, passengers to get luxurious dining, shopping experience

Air India has announced a partnership with The Bicester Collection, a renowned designer outlet shopping center located on the outskirts of Bicester, as part of its Flying Returns loyalty program. This collaboration offers customers reward points on shopping and dining experiences at The Bicester Collection’s nine open-air luxury shopping Villages in Western Europe. Flying Returns members can now earn 5 points for every GBP 4 or EUR 4 spent at any of The Bicester Collection’s Villages, which are conveniently located within an hour or less from major cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Munich, Brussels, Dublin, Madrid, and Barcelona, ANI reported. To collect reward points, members need to present their Air India Flying Returns digital membership card along with their receipts at Concierge Services in the Villages. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to make the ‘reimagined’ Flying Returns a more robust and faster rewarding program. Adding The Bicester Collection to our rapidly growing network of ‘earn’ partners offers our loyal guests even more opportunities to accumulate points for the experiences they value,” said Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty, and E-commerce at Air India. “The demand for luxury shopping among Indians continues to boom at a record pace, with Indians now being among the highest spenders during their travels across the world. We are also excited to offer the benefits of this collaboration to our growing base of loyal guests across Europe, providing many new ways of collecting Flying Returns points beyond just taking flights to and within India,” Suresh added. Laurent Vinay, Chief Brand and Communication Officer at The Bicester Collection, stated, “Air India aims to provide unparalleled Indian hospitality and customized service, aligning with The Bicester Collection’s values of offering an elevated experience. Air India is the most well-connected carrier in India, with flights to every European country where The Bicester Collection has a Village. Together, we can create wonderful experiences for our customers, making lasting and meaningful memories for all our guests.” Also Read: 25,000 job seekers end up in stampede-like situation at Air India Airport Services’ recruitment drive in Mumbai This announcement is part of Air India’s ongoing effort to transform its Flying Returns program, which recently underwent a significant revamp in April. The updated program now features a simplified structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity. The points collection model has shifted from miles-based to a more equitable spend-based approach, providing members with instant global status and privileges worldwide. Over the past 18 months, Air India has added over 50 partners to the Flying Returns program, enhancing ease, rewards, and recognition for its members. Air India serves Europe with 94 weekly non-stop flights to India from 10 locations: Amsterdam Schiphol, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, Paris CDG, Vienna, and Zurich. As it continues to expand its global presence, Air India has been increasing its European operations, recently inaugurating flights to Zurich and planning additional flights to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Milan this month.

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IndiGo to start direct flights from Mangaluru, Coimbatore & Tiruchirappalli to Abu Dhabi

IndiGo will launch direct flights from Mangaluru, Coimbatore, and Tiruchirappalli to Abu Dhabi. The flights on the Abu Dhabi to Mangaluru route will operate daily, from August 9, and the Tiruchirappalli to Abu Dhabi will operate four times a week, starting from August 11. Starting from August 10, the direct flights from Coimbatore will operate thrice weekly. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “With the addition of these flights, IndiGo now operates 89 non-stop flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 13 cities in India. These flights will provide smooth and convenient options for business as well as leisure travel to the UAE and further add to the gateways for travellers to explore the wonderful island city and beyond.”

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