According to a study conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the country saw an increase in revenues and guest nights, recording a 26.1 growth in guest numbers in December of 2014 against the previous years, making a jump from OMR 150,486 million to OMG 165, 970 million.
Oman’s Ministry of Tourism announced its new projects to develop luxurious hotels in order to address the rising numbers of guest arrivals as well as the booming local tourism industry. The announcement was made during the Arabian Travel Market show, and came as a positive indicator of the rapidly expanding tourism sector within the Sultanate. The trade exhibition provided an upright platform for the Ministry of tourism to showcase the recent luxurious hotel openings to various travel agents, thus providing a precious additional tool to aid in selling the destination to potential visitors.
According to a study conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the country saw an increase in revenues and guest nights, recording a 26.1 growth in guest numbers in December of 2014 against the previous years, making a jump from OMR 150,486 million to OMG 165, 970 million. Oman’s 4 and 5 stars hotels also witnessed a total year-on-year revenue growth of 10.3 per cent in the same period. The latest news comes as part of the country’s efforts to provide iconic and luxury offerings to its diverse clientele for a superior and unforgettable experience.
Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrooqi, Undersecretary, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “We are both pleased and excited to witness the positive developments in our tourism industry. As of now, Business Monitor Index (BMI) has predicted that there will be 1.14 million tourist arrivals this 2015, representing a 3 per cent increase from the previous year as tourist receipts reach USD 2.24 billion, up by 5 per cent year-on-year. As more and more people flock to have an exotic and authentic travel experience, we want to provide superior services and top-quality experiences to our travelers from the Gulf and all over the world.”
The ministry is throwing the spotlight on luxury developments, collaborating with iconic international brands that are synonymous with sophisticated tastes and known for providing a comprehensive customer experience. The top 10 projects that are currently being developed in the country boasts a total investment value of just over USD 3.3 billion. Among those that will be opening their doors will be hotels from Westin, St. Regis and W, as well as Ritz Carlton- the Muscat Reserve at a staggering USD 200 million. High-end mixed-use developments such as the Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort valued at USD 840 million are also underway as well as the Kempinski Hotel, Louis Vuitton Hotel and Fairmont Hotel which will be completed in the next few years.
Shati Salalah resort alone will have 700 rooms and 205 residential units and villas which will be completed within the year. Alila Resort Salalah, on the other hand, will offer 125 rooms and 46 residential units and 49 villas – all set for completion in 2016. Two major luxury hotels will be opening their doors a year later in 2017, Yiti Resort with 550 rooms and 1,100 residential units and villas and Saraya Bandar Jissah with 326 rooms and 356 residential units and villas. These prestigious and sophisticated brands are set to accommodate the upcoming surge of visitors to Oman.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
