Wayne Pearce (right), Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, receives the award from Sayyid Hamoud Bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Oman Interior Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee that supervised Oman's participation in Expo Yeosu 2012. COMPANIES that contributed to Oman's remarkable success at the Expo Yeosu 2012 in Korea this summer have been thanked and presented with individual awards by Sayyid Hamoud Bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee that supervised the Sultanate's participation in Expo Yeosu 2012 in Korea, at a ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel. Wayne Pearce Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air received the certificate of appreciation on behalf of Oman Air. Oman Air and other companies received their awards in recognition of the contribution they made to Oman's pavilion winning the Gold Award at the Expo for Best Theme Development, which embodied and translated the exhibition's theme of ‘The Living Ocean and Coast'. Expo Yeosu 2012 was a major international event, held between May and August this year, with a focus on the importance of balancing the preservation of ocean and coastal areas with economic development. Oman's participation followed an invitation from the government of Korea and saw the Sultanate join exhibitors from around the world. Wayne Pearce, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to have received this award … and to have played a part in Oman's notable success at the Expo Yeosu 2012. Oman is a wonderful tourist destination and Oman Air's growing network has enabled us to bring more visitors than ever before to enjoy its remarkable facilities, together with its awe-inspiring landscapes, untouched coastlines and year-round sun. The Sultanate's commitment to protecting its environment ensures that not only will it be safeguarded for future generations, but also that it will remain a unique attraction for visitors and Oman Air is honored to have been able to support the government's initiative.” Oman Air's participation in the Expo highlighted its ongoing commitment to promoting Oman as an exciting tourism destination and publishing its excellent hotels, rich culture and legendary hospitality. – SG