Ask anyone in Oman what Bahla is famous for and, after the celebrated Bahla Fort, they will say pottery. Many potters learn their trade as children from their parents. Potters of Bahla are friendly and will be delighted to show you how they make coil, slab and thrown pots. Visitors can see each stage of the process up close; a process that has remained largely unchanged with very few modern tools and accessories to help create their masterpieces.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region. “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future,” said Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Frankincense could be your raison d’être to visit Oman, a country known for enticing fragrances. If you are travelling to Oman, you can find frankincense in most souqs of this country. Although, Dhofar region is especially famous for the immersive experience it offers by showcasing the meticulous process of producing frankincense, known throughout Arabia as Luban. One of the best places to learn about this precious substance is Wadi Modaam where asha’bi frankincense is produced. In April’s resin-collecting season, its barren hills hide gnarled trees awaiting the Khareef’s lush renewal. Skilled artisans use a manqafa, a small putty knife, to tap the bark, releasing precious sap, later dried in mountainside caves—a delicate craft ensuring future harvests.

Oman, a land blessed by nature, holds diverse picturesque charms for travellers seeking majestic landscapes. Every corner of the Sultanate has at least one wadi embodying unparalleled beauty encompassing stunning turquoise pools, mountain caverns and beautiful gorges. Wadi Bani Khalid invites you to spend a leisurely day hiking, swimming, picnicking, and exploring caves. Its emerald pools, framed by palm trees and striking orangey-red cliffs, create a picture-perfect retreat. Equally captivating, Wadi Al Shab, hidden between towering cliffs, unveils its beauty step by step. A short boat ride leads to a scenic hike past caves, waterfalls, and ancient dwellings, revealing nature’s artistry. For adventure seekers, Wadi Bani Kharus offers untouched hiking trails, Wadi Bani Auf boasts breathtaking panoramas and lush terraces, while Wadi Ghul, with its towering palms, is a stunning escape into Oman’s natural splendour.

International hospitality brand, Atmosphere Core has made two pivotal leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a people-first culture. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch as General Manager of RAAYA Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returned to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere. Born in Australia, Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, cost-effectively develop new projects, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency. Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.     Milan Mookerjee as Vice President of Human Resources Milan Mookerjee has been appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core. Veteran Human Resources leader, Mookerjee will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across the Atmosphere Core’s resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, he is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture. Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality, where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programmes tailored to business needs.

VFS Global has worked with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland since 2010 and under the new agreement will continue to provide Schengen short terms visa services and Residence permit services including biometric enrolment in 32 countries (including India) across 10 regions. Since 2010, VFS Global has handled more than 8.5 million visa applications on behalf of the Government of Finland. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland said, “We anticipate a seamless and professional collaboration with VFS Global. In our tender, we especially highlighted the global coverage of the outsourced services, quality of biometrics and technical capacity, quality control, risk management and customer service. The external service provider receives applications, collects biometric data and application fees and forwards them to the missions. It does not make visa decisions. Visa decisions continue to be the responsibility of Foreign Ministry officials.” Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Finland as their trusted service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and welcome the opportunity to renew our services. We look forward to offering visa applicants best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across 10 regions globally.” 10 regions worldwide where these services will continue to operate are South Asia, the Americas, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Europe, CIS and Russia. VFS Global is responsible for managing the front-end administrative duties only. This includes the collection of application forms and required documents as per the checklist as well as the enrolment of biometrics. VFS Global does not play a …

One Rep Global, India’s award-winning luxury sales and marketing representation company, announced a distinguished addition to its portfolio, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, an extraordinary collection of luxury retreats nestled in Croatia’s scenic Losinj island. This collaboration reinforces One Rep Global’s dedication to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences to discerning Indian travellers. Nestled in the stunning Croatian archipelago, Lošinj Hotels & Villas offers an unrivalled blend of Mediterranean charm, luxurious accommodations, and world-class wellness experiences. With properties such as the Boutique Hotel Alhambra and Hotel Bellevue, the Lošinj Hotels & Villas are celebrated for their sophisticated architecture, impeccable service, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, creating experiences that seamlessly blend luxury with a deep respect for nature. As the exclusive PR representative for Lošinj Hotels & Villas, One Rep Global will focus on elevating awareness among India’s affluent travellers. The initiative will spotlight Losinj collection of opulent accomodations, historic villas and rejuvenating wellness retreats, catering to eco-conscious travellers seeking immersive experiences that harmonise luxury and nature. Hemant Mediratta, Founder, CEO, One Rep Global, commented on the new partnership, “We are thrilled to welcome Lošinj Hotels & Villas into our portfolio. The brand embodies the essence of luxury that Indian travellers desire-exclusive, immersive experiences rooted in heritage and wellness. We look forward to unveiling this hidden Mediterranean treasure to those who seek not just a destination but a profound experience.” Yvan Vermeesch, Owner, Managing Director, XO Private and Advisory Board, One Rep Global, added: “Lošinj is the epitome of luxury and wellness, offering an unparalleled experience for families and celebrations alike. It is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, uncharted and untouched, making it the perfect escape for discerning travellers. The island’s rich diversity, …

One of the best ways to appreciate the coast from Sidab to Muttrah is to take a cruise from Bandar Al Rowdah; it is particularly beautiful at sunset. You can opt for a traditional dhow or a more modern vessel for your tour. Either way, you can expect light refreshments and a commentary as you journey to and from Muttrah. You are sure to see hundreds of sea birds soaring high and others nesting on the numerous cliffs and rocky outcrops along the way. If you are lucky, dolphins will play in the surf around your boat. Do not miss one of the best views of Al Alam Palace, as well as the historic Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani built in the 15th century. See how many other watchtowers you can spot on the islands and hills along the route  

Nok Air, Thailand’s premium budget airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight DD 938 from Bangkok in Mumbai at 1:05 AM. This marks Nok Air’s second Indian destination, following Hyderabad, which was introduced in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bangkok departed Mumbai on 28 October, at 2:05 AM. Nok Air will operate a daily schedule of eight nonstop flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, utilising the Boeing 737-800, accommodating 189 passengers. Nok Air’s senior officials, including Chief Commercial Officer, Ranon Viputsiri, were on board the inaugural Bangkok to Mumbai flight, where passengers and crew were warmly welcomed with traditional vermillion and flowers. A special celebration at the boarding gate included goodie bags for passengers, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and a cake-cutting event, highlighting the significance of this new route. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that our services and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction will make this route a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this historic milestone and experience the comfort and convenience of our flights” stated Ranon Viputsiri. “Two vibrant cities that have long been cultural and economic hubs in their respective regions. This new route not only strengthens our commitment to connecting people but also underscores our belief in the immense potential for growth and collaboration between Thailand and India.” Nok Air is committed to delivering a quality flying experience at affordable prices, reflected in their motto, “We Fly Smiles.” Travelers can choose from two ticket options: Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max. Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked …

In a significant development for India’s entertainment and event management industry, Rajeev Jain, Founder, Director, Rashi Entertainment, has been appointed as Chair of the Entertainment Committee at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the 2024-25 term. This prestigious role underscores Jain’s reputation as an industry leader and his dedication to advancing the entertainment and events sectors in India. As Chair, Jain will serve as a vital link between industry stakeholders and government representatives, focusing on bridging gaps, addressing challenges, and pursuing new opportunities. His leadership is anticipated to drive forward initiatives aimed at strengthening industry resilience and promoting growth in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. “I am truly excited to work alongside visionary leaders and professionals to encourage innovation, build meaningful partnerships, and promote growth in the industry,” Jain said. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jain added, “My experience will be instrumental in helping us collectively achieve our shared goals for the sector. I am looking forward to leveraging this platform to drive positive change and unlock the full potential of the entertainment and events industry.” With Jain’s appointment, the industry anticipates a phase of dynamic growth, driven by strategic advocacy, innovation, and meaningful collaborations under his leadership.