Lakshmi Kothaneth -
MUSCAT, MAY 24 -
Oman Hotels and Tourism Co announced pumping RO100 million to build new 3 and 4-star hotels in a number of governorates and regions, within the company’s 5-year plan 2017-2021.
With almost 45 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Oman Hotels not only has a new logo but also set on a path filled with ambitions to expand its network of hotels and increase number of hotel rooms. The venture began in 1973 with Al Falaj Hotel.
The plan is to build the hotels around major cities of Oman. “We want to be in almost every major city. In the forthcoming days we will be signing two agreements one for a four star hotel in Al Khuwair and a three star hotel in Duqm. It is in the final stages of signing,” said Mohamed bin Abdullah al Khonji, Chairman of Oman Hotels.
Funding of the projects is partly internal and the balance is from the local Islamic banks. “If required, the major shareholders, Al Khonji Holding and Oman Emirates can also contribute in the capitalising the new projects. As of now we do not see a need. We are there to support.”
Al Khonji explained that potential for tourism is high. “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has emphasised on the importance of tourism in his speech this week at the Council of Oman. Tanfeedh has highlighted it as an important element in diversification. The government has set in the infrastructure. Each city of Oman has its own attractions. Oman is ready for tourism.”
Al Khonji affirmed at the press conference that Oman Hotels Co will ink required agreements for inaugurating the first two projects within the five-year plan; which are a 4-star hotel at Al Khuwair which is planned to accommodates 220 hotel rooms with a total cost of RO13 million and a hotel at Al Duqm with a cost of RO 7 million and accommodating 200 hotel rooms.
According to Al Khonji, the five-year plan targets building world-class high standards 2,000 hotel rooms through close cooperation with the international specialised companies; based on the strong belief of Oman Hotel on the important role to be played by the private sector to match the development in tourism sector.
“We are very keen to have our products compatible with the Islamic law — Sharia. Our past experiences at hotel management approved that we are very successful at this attitude. Throughout the past years, we have invested in many projects that achieved great success that encourage us to build more that can contribute to the development of the tourism sector and fulfil the increased needs,” he added.
“ The company had carried out many studies and research for tourism attitudes and market, population growth, urban directions and the needs of specific regions before starting their projects”, said Al Khonji.
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