National carrier Oman Air has announced that passengers can now take their golf bags onboard flights to and from Muscat free of charge.

The new policy came into effect on April 9, 2017 to encourage golf tourism in Oman. 

One golf bag per person will be allowed free of charge on all flights to and from Muscat.

Guests flying with Oman Air on all other routes may replace one bag within their baggage allowance with a golf bag. This means that guests flying in Economy elsewhere on Oman Air’s network may replace their 30kg bag with a golf travel bag, but would have to pay a surcharge to take two bags. Silver and Gold Sindbad card-holders and guests flying in Business Class or First Class may replace one of their 30kg bags with a golf travel bag, meaning they can travel with one 30kg bag and one golf bag without paying a surcharge.

Muscat is home to three excellent courses; the PGA standard Almouj Golf, Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club and the Ghala Golf Course.

Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO Oman Air, said: “Oman Air is committed to actively promoting Oman as a world-class golfing destination and we’re very proud of the wonderful courses that the Sultanate has to offer. We are continually looking at ways in which we can enhance the passenger experience and excess baggage is always a pertinent issue. By enabling all golfers travelling to and from Oman to bring their golf bag free of charge, we hope that we will make their trips even more enjoyable and encourage them to return for many more rounds.

Mundhir Al Barwani, Chairman Oman Golf Committee, said: “Golf is the world’s largest sports related tourism business and Oman now has a strong offering with 5 golf courses to choose from and ready to attract golf tourism. To make this happen there needs to be a joint effort between the clubs, hotels and airlines. This announcement by Oman Air shows their commitment to support golf tourism which will help golfers choose Oman over other golfing destinations. We really appreciate their support and look forward to working with the National Carrier to push golf tourism to all their destinations.”

Source: Timesofoman