Travelex announces awards for tourism [Times of Oman]

Muscat: Travelex, world's largest foreign exchange company, which made its debut in Oman in 2003, has announced the launch of tourism ambassador awards for Oman that will reward individuals and businesses for outstanding achievements in the promotion of tourism in Oman.

The aim is to provide prizes for those who are often the "unsung" heroes of the Omani tourism industry and have gone above and beyond in delivering first class service and tourism products. Making the announcement at a press conference held yesterday, Graham Flannery, Travelex director of business development for the Middle East, said that since it was Oman which we first debuted in the region and considering its special thrust on tourism, we chose this charming country to launch our travel awards.

Importance of tourism He said, "The government has underlined the importance of tourism and the growing popularity of the region due to a wide array of attractions for tourists has made the government to give an impetus to the sector. So, it is our duty to join hands with them to further boost the tourism sector."

"The submissions for tourism awards will begin immediately and will end on October 31. Individuals and companies will be invited to nominate and demonstrate their achievements to win one of a 10 awards that will be presented at a ceremony to be held in the fourth week of November," he added.

An independent panel of judges selected from leading organisations in the tourism industry in Oman, including a senior representative from the Ministry of Tourism itself, will decide on the winners of these awards that Travelex Oman plans to become an annual event.

Among the attributes that judges will be looking for when deciding on the winners of the "Tourism Ambassador" awards will be personal initiative to enhance visitor experiences, outstanding service, a winning smile and personality, delivering on promises and how the individual or company is able to promote Oman and their individual region.

The awards are open to any individual or business that is currently operating within the tourism industry in Oman. Ten separate awards will be presented. The main prize is the gold award titled, 'Oman Tourism Ambassador of the Year' (over-all prize for outstanding contribution to the tourism industry in the Sultanate of Oman).

There will be regional ambassador awards for the best individual from Dhofar, Muscat, Batinah/Musandum, Dhakiliyah/Sharqiyah. Other awards include the customer service award (rewarding the individual who is judged to have been the best individual ambassador for tourism in their interaction with visitors); Best Small Operator (awarded to a tour company (less than 100 employees) who has consistently exceeded expectations); Young Ambassador of the Year (rewarding outstanding service by individuals aged 25 or younger); Institutional Ambassador of the Year (rewarding an organisation/hotel/tourism attraction); and the Sustainable Tourism Ambassador of the Year (rewarding an individual or organisation who have demonstrated a conscious effort to deliver sustainable tourism).

'Great synergy' Graham Flannery said, 'There is a great synergy between our business objectives and those of the government, which made these awards so relevant. Travelex, as an international company, has a responsibility to actively participate in the communities in which we operate.

In Oman, it's timely that the government has outlined that tourism is a critical part of its growth strategy. As part of the tourism industry ourselves, we feel that these awards are an ideal way for us to honour those who are leading the way in Oman in the tourism industry."

"All Oman Tourism Ambassador Award winners will receive a certificate and an engraved trophy. Individual winners will bag cash prizes while winners in business categories will receive a logo and marketing support to promote their win," he added.

Application forms for the awards are available from www.travelexomanawards.com and Travelex's stores," he added. With six stores in the Sultanate and almost a decade of experience operating in Muscat, Travelex allows individuals to exchange money with confidence at four outlets at Muscat International Airport or in the Seeb and Ghubrah areas of Muscat.

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