Seven new hotels to open in Oman this year

Muscat: Seven new hotels will add 1,851 hotel rooms by the end of 2018 in Dhofar, the Ministry of Tourism announced on Sunday at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
The addition of 1,851 rooms will meet the rising demand, with a total of 3,346 rooms available in Salalah and its adjoining areas.
The Ministry of Tourism took part in the Arabian Travel Market, which began on April 22 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Sultanate’s delegation is led by Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism.
This year, the official theme for Arabian Travel Market 2018 focuses on responsible tourism, including current sustainable travel trends. The Sultanate participates in the Arabian Travel Market each year, as it is considered to be one of the largest international gatherings specialising in tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Major contributors and decision-makers in tourism-related activities participate in the ATM; namely — airlines, hotels, shipping companies, conference centres, hotels, resorts, tour organizers, senior executives in the tourism sector and travel agencies.
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At the Sultanate’s pavilion at the exhibition, Al Mahrouqi praised the role played by the organisations in the tourism sector that participated in the exhibition, and helped develop strategies to promote and operate the tourism movement in the Sultanate.
Regarding tourism, Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi stated, “The tourism sector in the Sultanate is witnessing a remarkable annual growth, with statistical indicators pointing out the increase in the number of tourists and visitors, as well as the launch of new tourism projects and hotel facilities around the Sultanate, reinforced by the governmental efforts in further developing the vital projects and the infrastructures related to tourism.
“This comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts in implementing the first phase of the Omani Tourism strategy, in addition to integrating and cooperating with different sectors and institutes that are working directly or indirectly with Oman Tourism from within the tourism sector and other sectors, as well.”
She added, “The Ministry has always been keen to participate annually in international travel and tourism events, where major organisations and investors from all around the world gather in one spot to exchange knowledge, experiences and build bridges of common interests. The Arabian Travel Market stands as a perfect platform for representatives to promote the latest tourism services, projects and encourage tourism investments”
The Sultanate has recorded a significant growth in the tourism sector, underlying the Sultanate’s efforts in tourism development in various elements, which is an advantage to promote the latest tourism services, projects and installations, and encourage tourism investment.
The number of hotels increased from 337 establishments in 2016 to 367 in 2017, with a change of 8.9% and an annual growth rate of 6.4% since 2009 to 2017.
The number of hotels reached 20,581 hotel rooms by the end of 2017, compared to 18,825 rooms in the previous year, with a change of 9.3% and an annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2009-2017.
She added, “The Sultanate is witnessing progress and prosperity within the strategic plans for sustainable tourism development, such as opening the new passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport and assisting in the electronic visa total of 45,947 electronic visas, which were issued between March 21 and April 16, 2018.
Additionally, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is progressing with the second phase of the project, as well as the transformation of Port Sultan Qaboos into a tourism destination which will provide a vibrant, active and high quality public realm to Muscat.
The Ministry’s participation will highlight future tourism plans, events, projects and other initiatives of the tourism sector that links the strategies implemented by the national program for enhancing economic diversification.”
The first day of the exhibition witnessed a number of gatherings and official meetings that were held in the Sultanate’s pavilion, involving international governmental delegations, investors, businessmen, and travel and tourism companies. Also, Maitha met representatives from the international media and presented an overview of the developments in the Sultanate in the tourism sector.
Through its participation in this international exhibition, the Ministry will highlight future tourism plans and projects which are expected to be launched soon, and those that will add value to the sector by attracting a large number of tourists.
A distinctive focus will be given to promote tourism in the summer — such as the Khareef Festival in Salalah, and other prominent attractions from various tourism establishments and hotels.
The Ministry of Tourism continues its preparation for the tourist season with the advent of summer (Khareef), Keeping in mind the destination’s popularity among the tourists throughout the year, the Ministry of Tourism is consistently working on improving existing facilities in the Dhofar Governorate and introducing new projects to meet the demands of tourists during the Monsoon season.
Additionally, Salalah maintains a positive posture, in terms of tourist flow, especially from several European countries during the winter season, which starts from October to May each year. Further, the mountains and plains in the region become lush green during the Monsoon season, which begins from June 21 and runs through till September 21st of each year, as the governorate becomes a tourist hub from different countries, especially the Gulf countries.
This year, the Arabian Travel Market will include a number of events for travel and tourism professionals, and will also witness the participation of experts and leading personalities in the tourism sector, who will discuss and review various issues related to tourism during the four-day forum.