GULF STATES
“Recommend the Yas Waterpark in Abu Dhabi; a smart wristband ‘senses’ if you have been on the ride before and changes the ride experience!”
ZOE SAUNDERS, PRODUCTS & MARKETING MANAGER, ITC CLASSICS
country and Muscat, Salalah and Khasab are included on the cruise tineraries of 19 ships. The UK offi ce has doubled in size as part of the Ministry’s strategy to train and support the travel industry and new Sales Manager Bharat Gadhoke will be on the road visiting operators and travel agents up and down the country. We will also be title sponsors of the World Responsible Travel Awards 2013 and after a successful ‘Destination Dialogue’ in London with Travel Uni we are planning three more around the country.” Alison Cryer, Oman Tourist Board For more details on Oman e-mail
oman@representationplus.co.uk
Where to book it PREMIER HOLIDAYS – 08444 937 542
Clockwise from left: Diving is superb in the Gulf waters; Sharjah Al Qasba and Eye; Doha, Qatar
Four nights at the St Regis Abu Dhabi in a superior room costs from £949pp including room-only
accommodation and fl ights from Heathrow. Valid until August 2013.
premierholidays.co.uk IF ONLY – 0141 955 4000
A fi ve-night all-inclusive stay at the new Millennium Resort Mussanah, about an hour from Muscat, costs from £1,259. The package includes accommodation, all meals, wines, beers and soft drinks and fl ights from London. Offer: Special offers are available.
ifonly.net IGLU CRUISE – 020-82543513
A 17-night fl y, cruise and stay package from Athens to Dubai, which includes a stop in Oman and a two-night stay in Dubai, leaves on October 25, 2013, priced from £2,099pp.
iglucruise.com
WHO FLIES THERE
britishairways.com;
emirates.com;
etihadairways.com;
gulfair.com;
oman-air.com;
qatarairways.com;
virgin-atlantic.com
Dominic Speakman, CEO and founder of luxury tour operator Destinology
Aside from Dubai, which are the most popular Gulf destinations? The Gulf has been one of our largest growth markets and
Meet the Operator
Oman and Abu Dhabi are selling particularly well. New openings are popular with customers keen to be fi rst through the doors. It’s these emerging destinations boosting Destinology’s growing sales fi gures – up by 32% year- on-year in January.
What’s the major appeal of these destinations?
There has been a wave of new hotels opening and our customers have always been keen on staying ahead of the game. There is a growing trend for shorter, three-night holidays. Gulf destinations’ seven/eight- hour fl ight times are perfect for these shorter trips – even for a long weekend. The guaranteed sunshine is also very appealing.
Are summer sales a realistic proposition?
Destinology offers very
competitive rates on hotels in Oman and Abu Dhabi, meaning that luxury holidays are more accessible than people might think. The value of each
Destinology booking is higher this year than it was last year, demonstrating that customers aren’t shying away from the high-end holiday.
Sample Package
Three nights’ accommodation at the fi ve star Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa is from £619 pp based on two adults sharing a deluxe room on a B&B basis and includes return fl ights from LHR with BA and return private car transfers.
destinology.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com June 2013 33
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