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29 March 2024

Oman to add 3,000 hotel rooms by 2014-end

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By Staff

The outlook for new resorts and hotels in Oman looks promising with over 3,000 hotel rooms due for completion by the end of 2014.

Ahmed Al Mahrizi, Oman’s Minister of Tourism, said: “The development projects now in planning or construction will put Oman’s tourism industry on a new footing. OMRAN is on track to complete niche resorts in Khasab and Jabal Al Akhdar, and the construction of new hotels and visitor facilities are starting in Muscat and Salalah, while the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is on track to open in Q1 2017. These ‘next generation’ developments take into account community, environment values and our consumer segments. Our focus continues to be on quality, ‘leading edge authenticity’ and beautiful Oman. We are looking to boost our competitiveness and provide sustainable jobs across the country.”

OMRAN, the Government of Oman’s specialist tourism development and asset management company, is making a pivotal contribution to the sector’s development outcomes. The company is leading the delivery of several major joint venture projects valued at around $1.6 billion. The coming year will see the opening of OMRAN-managed resorts at Khasab and Jabal Al Akhdar.

“The niche resorts at Khasab and Jabal Al Akhdar are welcomed by their respective communities. They will generate substantial local economic activity and jobs. Khasab and Jabal Al Akdhar are special places and the resorts showcase Omani design and local materials. The buildings coexist with their settings and are not imposing, while their interior designs are vibrant and express Oman’s identity. We are sure people will aspire to visit and stay in these exquisite resorts,” said Al Mahrizi.

Private sector investment is also on the rise with new resorts opening, the next being the 37 room Tiwi Resort, followed in late 2013 by a mountain resort hotel at Diana’s Point, Jabal Al Akhdar.

The Ministry sees Oman’s nation building projects such as airports, Oman Air’s international expansion, fast ferries and improved communications as the platforms for tourism growth, with local and international investors responding accordingly.

Oman Air recently announced the leasing of an additional 2 Boeing B738 aircraft to boost the frequency and capacity of services to India, aiming at twice daily services to all major cities. Further, the National Ferry Company recently commenced Shinas-Khasab services, adding to twice weekly Muscat-Khasab services.

The Master Plan for Port Sultan Qaboos’ transformation into a tourism and cruise ship precinct is expected to be released in 2013.