Bangkok--6 Feb--Hill & Knowlton Singapore Stellar Consulting Group appointed by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism to attract more Asian visitors to Oman Oman named Destination of the Year 2008 by Vogue magazine Stellar Consulting Group (StellarCG) has been appointed to spearhead promotional and marketing activities for Oman’s Ministry of Tourism in Southeast Asia. The tourism sector is an important component of the Omani government’s Five-Year (2006-2010) Plan to foster income diversification and the Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is eager to tap into the burgeoning Asian outbound luxury market, with the appointment of StellarCG being a first step in this direction. “With its many natural attractions, rich culture and the hospitable warmth of the Omani people, Oman will undoubtedly appeal to luxury and adventure travellers alike who desire something different. Oman is a jewel in the Arabian Gulf waiting to be discovered by the growing number of savvy well-heeled travellers in Asia,” said Mr Hazik Mohamed, Managing Director of StellarCG. “Stellar Consulting Group, on behalf of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, is actively reaching out to our travel industry partners in Singapore, Bangkok and in the region. We want to bring Southeast Asian visitors to Oman. Visitors can now check out what Oman has to offer by flying direct from Bangkok to Muscat in six hours,” he added. Daily flights are available to Muscat from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Abu Dhabi, Bahrain or Dubai. Oman’s strongest tourism markets have traditionally been Europe and the Gulf states. However, the potential of the Asian outbound leisure market cannot be ignored and the Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, together with StellarCG, is aiming to introduce Oman as a luxury adventure destination to Asia. Oman Air currently offers five direct flights between Bangkok and Muscat weekly. The route has been operating since November, and was officially launched by Oman Air this week. Oman has been receiving accolades after accolades in the press recently. The December issue of the internationally reputed fashion and style magazine VOGUE named Oman the destination to visit in 2008, with much to be discovered “from glorious mountains, spectacular deserts, medieval cities and a thousand-odd miles of seaside.” The United Kingdom’s Sunday Telegraph has also recently billed Oman as one of the ‘Top Dozen Desirable Destinations’ of 2008. The Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is one of the most pro-active tourist development bodies among the group of six Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). The Omani government is also pumping in $3 billion to expand its international airport and build another three airports in the country’s southern towns of Adam, Haima and Shaleem, as well as in the industrial city of Sohar. Under the leadership of H.M. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman is now a modern must-visit travel destination with the best of both worlds, bringing together the rich heritage of its culture and luxurious hotels — for an unforgettable travel experience for visitors. About Stellar Consulting Group (StellarCG) StellarCG is a next generation destination marketing firm that focuses on connecting little-known tourist destinations regionally and internationally. Its practice draws on a wealth of global experience providing innovative strategies for the current climate of travel and tourism industry. With its strategic alliances, StellarCG is better positioned to formulate strategies that allow destinations to gain a competitive edge while attracting wealthier, more responsible segments of the international tourism market. The firm helps a wide clientele in both the private and public sectors locally as well as internationally. For more information, contact: Stellar Consulting Group Hazik Mohamed Tel: +65 6534 1981 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.stellarcg.com/oman For media enquiries, contact: Hill & Knowlton Singapore Tess Chia Tel: +65 6390 3315 Mobile: +65 8168 8069Email: [email protected] Hill & Knowlton Thailand Pensri Iem-KlaiNida Puwanich Tel : +66 2627 3501 ext 105 or 108 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]