Oman has a lot to offer and the government is definitely trying its best to promote the country by making its presence felt in all the exhibitions. However, the process has been slow as they are focusing on retaining the culture and identity of the country at the same time, says Radisson SAS Hotel Muscat director of sales and marketing Khamis Kazzaz.

"The country needs to do more to attract tourists. When you think tourism, you need to have set regulations for visa issuance and although it has eased visa regulations, there is much more that needs to be done. In addition, the airport definitely needs to be enlarged and more counters added," added Kazzaz.

"Although hotels in the country have been affected due to the recent happenings, we have not really been affected to that extent as majority of our guests have been from the embassy, personnel from the navy and business men," explained Kazzaz.

Positioned as a business hotel, the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat, has recently launched its loyalty programme 'Gold Points' in March 2003 for its business guests.

Recently, the Al Tajin Grill restaurant at the hotel also scooped up the honours in the 'Best Steakhouse' category in January 2003.

The Al Tajin Grill, serving traditional steaks and fresh seafood, is currently featuring a birthday promotion, entitling guests dining on their birthdays to a discount equivalent to their age on their individual food bill in addition to being offered a complimentary cake and a bottle of sparkling wine.

The hotel has also lined up various promotions this summer with special room rates and offers.

The hotel featuring 156 rooms including 14 suites and a selection of business rooms is conveniently located 12 minutes from Seeb International Airport.

Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, health club, gym, massage, sauna and steam rooms and a host of dining options. The hotel offers 24-hour free Internet access and boasts an exclusive beach-club for in-house guests with a water sports centre nearby, to which it provides a complimentary shuttle service.

Meeting facilities include five banqueting and function rooms capable of accommodating up to 210 guests while its poolside garden can accommodate up to 400 guests.