Muscat – Akbar Travels in India, the largest travel agency of that country with over 155 branch networks across the world, is all set to open its fourth branch in the sultanate on Friday.
This was divulged at a press conference addressed by the Akbar Group’s International Division director Ashiya Nazar at the Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi on Wednesday. “We are planning to open five more branches in Oman in the near future as part of our expansion in the sultanate,” Nazar added.
The Akbar Travels’ office in Muscat will play a key role in organising inbound and outbound travels, including umrah, besides making a special arrangement for those studying abroad. “One of the core areas of focus for the Akbar Group in the sultanate is to promote inbound tourism industry in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
“With our pan-India presence, we will exploit the market to the fullest,” she added.
The group is aiming to create opportunities for the Omani citizens to hone their skills in the tourism sector. “We aim to nurture and encourage local talents in the tourism sector, an area that holds great potential. It is an exciting prospect for us in the Akbar Group to see the expansion plans for Oman transcending beyond the conventional travel products.”
The group, with a global network of 155 branches, and other network arrangements is India’s largest travel agency in terms of the number of IATA registered branches. In the Middle East, the group has its offices in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, apart from those in Oman.
The group was started in 1978 by K V Abdul Nazar, and ever since the company has carved a niche for itself in the industry.
Santosh Cheriyan, the group vice president said, “Being a market leader, the group is known for its best practices in the industry. In a short span of five years in Oman, the group has emerged as one of the leading players in the travel sector in the sultanate.”
Cheriyan claimed that the company is providing jobs and training opportunities to the Omani workforce in the travel industry. “The recruitment is backed by in-house training so as to equip them with the necessary skill-sets to further their personal growth in the industry and enhance their contribution to the nation’s economic growth.”
Akbar Group’ services extend across the travel spectrum encompassing online and offline ticketing for corporate and individuals with a robust Ecom platform, inbound and outbound holidays (Akbar Holidays), destination management (Arabian Journeys), medical tourism (Travocure), umrah and easy travel for those studying abroad.