OMAN: Oman Tourism Promotions In Paris And Milan

The Ministry of Tourism has organised workshops in Paris and Milan for trade partners including tour operators and hotels through its market-based representatives recently. The sessions, which were aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the international market and Oman, and increase the number of tourists visiting the Sultanate from these countries, have been well received by the masses there who showed considerable interest in visiting the country.

In the last many years, Oman has witnessed consistent growth in the number of visitors from Italy. With 33,915 people coming into the country in 2015, there has been an increase of 6.5 per cent from the previous year. Ministry is working towards replicating the same success with the French market, where 46,520 tourists visited Oman last year.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism along with nearly 25 representative partners from the tourism industry of Oman, including Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel, Anantara Jabal Akhdar & Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Muscat Hills, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Six Senses Zighy Bay, The Chedi Muscat, Arabian Experience, Arabica Orient, Bahwan Tourism, Desert Camels Adventure Tours, Elite Travel & Tourism, Magic Arabia, Muscat Desert Gate, Quality Travel & Tourism, Sand Palm Oman Tours, Smart Travel & Tourism and Tour Oman and some regional airline partners, including Oman Air, were present at the workshop.

The audience consisted of local travel agents, tour operators, hotels, airlines and members from the media which included bloggers, journalists and travellers.

The 14th edition of the workshop in France saw over 200 tourism professionals gather to understand more about Oman Tourism and get an update on the latest developments on the tourism front. The Tourist Information School has organised a training session on the destination for the travel agents.

The sixth edition of the Italian workshop on tourism included presentations by the partners, which discussed the various offerings from Oman. This was followed by one-on-one B2B meetings between the various travel partners, and a networking cocktail dinner.

Speaking about the workshops, Asma al Hajry, Deputy Director-General, International Tourism Promotions, said, “Europe is a crucial market for Oman and workshops like these provide us with an avenue to showcase what the country has to offer in terms of tourism. We have a unique landscape, our deep-rooted culture and Omani hospitality will give tourists the most authentic Arabian experience. In previous years, our roadshows and exhibitions have met with astounding success and we are sure this year is no different.”

In addition to participating in international trade shows, the Ministry also organises roadshows annually to build individual relations with the trade partners. In 2015, the Ministry organised a roadshow in Brussels, Milan and Paris to highlight Oman’s participation in Expo Milan and a four-city roadshow across India (Chennai-Bangalore-New Delhi-Mumbai), and in 2014 MOT organised a four-city roadshow in Germany (Berlin – Dusseldorf – Hamburg – Frankfurt), GCC, Europe roadshow (France-Italy-Netherlands).

OMAN: Oman’s Al Bustan Palace Expects 10% Growth

Muscat-based Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel is expecting an increase of 10% from the Indian market in 2016, said Rami Farhat, Director of Sales & Marketing, Palace, during his recent visit to Mumbai. Sharing insights about the property, he said that it hosts many of MICE activities for Indian guests and has also hosted a big Indian destination wedding. He added that India is a big market for the luxury hotel.

Throwing light on markets, Farhat said that for luxury, India is amongst the property's top ten market, whereas, for MICE, India ranks third after London and Dubai. In India, Delhi is number one market for the property, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Ahmedabad.

The property can accommodate a maximum of 500 guests in its 250 rooms - of these 50 are suites. The hotel has 16 meeting rooms spread across 44,000 sq ft including 1,204 sq m Majan Ballroom. Al Bustan Palace got a Six Senses Spa in October 2015. "It is spread across 3,300 sq m with 17 treatment rooms, making it the biggest in the Middle East," he added.

HUNGARY: The Elizabeth Park Hotel Budapest, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel Opens

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is delighted to announce that from 1st September The Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel will be managed by the company and following an extensive renovation program, the hotel will be re-launched as The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest in Spring 2016.

The centrally located, 198-room hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation which includes the addition of The Ritz-Carlton Club, new luxury suites and fresh concepts at the hotel's dining outlets.

"It is an honour to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to Hungary at the heart of this vibrant capital city. We are looking forward to opening the newest European hotel in Budapest in 2016," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer.

"We are delighted to be partnering with the Ritz-Carlton for such an exquisite property to build on our unique portfolio of hotels. We are bringing together two of the best names in the business, both dedicated to offering world-class luxury and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the renewed property in early 2016," said Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group, the hotel's owner.

Marcus A. Loevenforst has been appointed as the General Manager to lead the team of Ladies and Gentlemen at this historic location and oversee the transformation of the hotel into the first Hungarian property for The Ritz-Carlton portfolio. Mr. Loevenforst, originally from Germany, brings more than 23 years of luxury hospitality experience spanning several continents and locations, including Stuttgart, Miami, San Francisco, Cleveland and Toronto, and with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Berlin, Bahrain, Moscow and Naples. Most recently his role was as Vice President, Operations for EDITION hotels.

The Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest is located on St Erzsebet Square with commanding views over St Stephen's Basilica in the heart of the city, only a short distance from the business district and shopping areas. The Hungarian capital is home to an extensive World Heritage site, including the banks of the River Danube, the Buda Castle quarter, Andrassy Avenue and the Millennium Underground railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. It is one of Europe's most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination known as "The City of Spas" with many natural thermal and medicinal springs.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 86 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, theMiddle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. www.marriott.com / www.news.marriott.com

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is delighted to announce that from 1st September The Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel will be managed by the company and following an extensive renovation program, the hotel will be re-launched as The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest in Spring 2016.

The centrally located, 198-room hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation which includes the addition of The Ritz-Carlton Club, new luxury suites and fresh concepts at the hotel's dining outlets.

"It is an honour to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to Hungary at the heart of this vibrant capital city. We are looking forward to opening the newest European hotel in Budapest in 2016," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer.

"We are delighted to be partnering with the Ritz-Carlton for such an exquisite property to build on our unique portfolio of hotels. We are bringing together two of the best names in the business, both dedicated to offering world-class luxury and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the renewed property in early 2016," said Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group, the hotel's owner.

Marcus A. Loevenforst has been appointed as the General Manager to lead the team of Ladies and Gentlemen at this historic location and oversee the transformation of the hotel into the first Hungarian property for The Ritz-Carlton portfolio. Mr. Loevenforst, originally from Germany, brings more than 23 years of luxury hospitality experience spanning several continents and locations, including Stuttgart, Miami, San Francisco, Cleveland and Toronto, and with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Berlin, Bahrain, Moscow and Naples. Most recently his role was as Vice President, Operations for EDITION hotels.

The Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest is located on St Erzsebet Square with commanding views over St Stephen's Basilica in the heart of the city, only a short distance from the business district and shopping areas. The Hungarian capital is home to an extensive World Heritage site, including the banks of the River Danube, the Buda Castle quarter, Andrassy Avenue and the Millennium Underground railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. It is one of Europe's most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination known as "The City of Spas" with many natural thermal and medicinal springs.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 86 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, theMiddle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. www.marriott.com / www.news.marriott.com

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle brands. The Ritz-Carlton enjoys a global reputation for setting the gold standard with award-winning luxury hotels, residences, golf communities, elegant spas, innovative retail and acclaimed restaurants. The brand engages guests through unique, memorable and personal experiences that transcend luxury hospitality and create indelible marks in their lives.