Arrivals and Departures

This used to be a nightmare we know, but now it seems that somebody explained in the right words to the immigration people in Oman that first impressions are important, and hey presto! We have quicker arrivals now!

There are, as ever, two main types of arrival large multiple arrivals, group arrivals, small multiple arrivals or a mixture of all of the above plus a few individuals, basically known as the 'Oh no not that coffee all night again'arrivals!

For all the formula within the airport is pretty much the same. The guests are met from the plane and escorted through immigration to the luggage belts whereupon locating their cases (which are handled by the airport porters) they move to their transfer to the hotel.

It's really that easy. To explain the details of how we do this would just make thing more complex however, all guests are treated as VIPS, for example none of the guests will ever be have to carry their own suitcases. No guests will have to trace or track missing suitcases (this we do) or be caught up in any unnecessary delays ie visas etc (well unless they have forgotten to tell us they need one!!)

For larger groups and large multiple arrivals we would normally use an assembly point system where by the Clients logo's are displayed as assembly point type signs. Externally, Muscat airport is much much easier to police than the chaos that is Dubai airport.

For the transportation for the smaller groups cars and coaches are booked as appropriate - the luggage goes separately for the large arrivals and with the guests for the small ones

For very large groups with an intensive arrival pattern we use coaches and cars on a 24hr hire basis, so a coach does an arrival then returns to the airport and is held until required again, this can reduce arrival and departure transfer costs by half with the right group, (and the right information!!)

On arrival at the hotel we have a running reception (descriptions and menus are available in the hotels section) that finishes after the last arrivals, it is during this that the guests will be able to relax, check in and have a drink before going to bed, hopefully finding their own luggage in their own rooms.

Departures

Again these are pretty much the same as the arrivals but, logically, in reverse.

Transfers to the airport are assisted and then the guides stay in the airport until they have passed through passport control, we can pay their exit tax as well.

For those airlines that still require it, all guests will be reconfirmed on to the flights a few days before departure and for large groups luggage transfers etc are just a normal part of the event game.