Tag Archives: Oman

Aloft Hotels announces plans to open Aloft Muscat in Spring 2023. The highly anticipated opening is expected to mark the brand’s debut in the Sultanate of Oman. Designed for the next generation of traveler the hotel will be a new vibrant destination and will feature eclectic spaces, distinctive design, live music programming, and 199 modern loft-style guestrooms complete with the brand’s signature amenities. The hotel is expected to feature three dining outlets, places for guests to come together, including a Californian style eatery, an international restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, and the brand’s signature bar W XYZ®.  Other facilities will include a rooftop pool and gym. Danny Al Chayeb will take the helm of the new hotel as General Manager. With more than two decades in hospitality across the MENA region, Al Chayeb brings a wealth of experience to Aloft Muscat, including a proven track record of creating new food and beverage concepts and providing the highest guest service standards. A hands-on GM, he aims to turn moments into memorable stays for guests, with a desire to lead by example while driving business. “We are thrilled to debut Aloft Hotels in Oman. A brand known for its design-driven and tech-savvy ethos, Aloft Muscat will bring a modern, friendly, and comfortable option for global travelers and a new hotspot for residents in the Sultanate,” said Danny Al Chayeb, General Manager. Aloft Muscat is located 10 minutes from Muscat International Airport and is nearby to the city’s attractions including The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, Mall of Oman, Oman Avenues Mall, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, and three major golf courses.

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MOHT), hosted the largest Global Travel Week Middle East this week with the participation of 200 professionals in the field of luxury tourism from around the world, along with 40 local Omani tourism industry key players. It was two days of networking opportunities to connect with the luxury exhibitors across the globe in the Sultanate of Oman. Asma bint Salem Al Hajriya, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman said in her closing remarks stated, “On behalf of my country, the Sultanate of Oman, and on behalf of my entire team of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, we are all delighted to welcome you here today – we hope you have a very enjoyable time and are excited to learn more about our beautiful country. Oman is a blessed country with a diverse landscape, nature, heritage and history and of course, without forgetting the most aspect of its people, the most renowned friendliest and hospitable people of Oman are the assets of this country. With all these components, Oman delivers a unique luxury travel experience.” She further reiterated, “striking the perfect balance between international outlook and traditional atmosphere, our deep culture and heritage combined with world-class hotels and authentic Arabian experiences, means that we are very well placed to make the most of the growing interest in visiting our region. Events like today are an invaluable opportunity for you to connect with our stakeholders, and I hope that as we end this two day event you had fruitful meetings and good knowledge of what Oman offers …

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MOHT), hosted The Global Travel Week Middle East, during the period of 4th to 7 March 2023, with the participation of 200 professionals in the field of luxury tourism from around the world, along with 40 local Omani tourism industry key players. The  Global Travel Week Middle East event is B2B type of event organized in cooperation with Travel Weekly Group, a company specializing in organizing tourism activities, that attract tourism companies and tour operators from different countries around the world to meet with their counterparts to strengthen the cooperation between them in the field of tourism. Top selected tourism companies were selected to carry out familiarization tours in the governorates of Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Sharqiyah North in order to understand the destination unique selling points. The program included visits to all major tourism attractions including site visits to the Oman luxury hotels and experiences. Such tours will contribute to enhance their efforts in  promoting the Sultanate of Oman. Asma bint Salem Al Hajriya, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman said: “Connections Luxury Middle East is a valuable addition to the list of luxury tourism companies and has proven to generate extraordinary value for business of companies in the tourism industry. We are proud to once again to partner with Connections Luxury Middle East as the host partner. This partnership provides an unparalleled platform for the Sultanate of Oman to showcase our rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings to a large audience of leading travel and tourism companies coming from different markets around …

Continuing its efforts to boost local tourism, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed an agreement with the Office of the Al Buraimi Governor to develop several tourism projects at prominent destinations across the governorate. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, the Governor of Al Buraimi, and Eng Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group Board of Directors, with senior officials from both parties in attendance. The agreement is part of OMRAN Group’s efforts to enhance partnerships with various stakeholders and achieve its tourism development objectives in the Sultanate. Under the agreement, OMRAN Group will provide technical support and oversee operations for the Al Buraimi Gate and Al Abila Park. The first project, Al Buraimi Gate, will serve as a platform for interaction between visitors and sub-activities through interactive digital panels and a display screen. The screen will display unique material and showcase the cultural history of the Governorate of Buraimi.Al Ubila Park will cover an area of over 181,000 square meters. The project aims to fulfil the desires of tourists, visitors, and residents of the Sultanate, showcasing the region’s rich beauty and creating a fun and relaxing recreational area for the community. Speaking on the agreement, Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi said: “We are pleased to partner with OMRAN Group and establish significant projects that stimulate tourism growth in the governorate. These projects will enrich the tourism facilities and services for visitors. Recently, the Governorate of Buraimi implemented several development projects designed to attract visitors from across the Sultanate and advance economic growth in both the governorate and the Sultanate. These efforts will create many business opportunities for local …

On the Occasion of the Sultanate’s Celebrations of 52 Glorious National Day and under the patronage of HE Salim Bin Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, the 5-star beach resort hotel, Jumeirah Muscat Bay officially inaugurated. The inaugural event was attended by key government officials and senior leaders from the sector. The resort set a benchmark for tourism development in Muscat Governorate and offers local tourism a new concept of hospitality to support the government’s effort towards making the Sultanate a remarkable tourism destination. As another step towards Oman vision 2040 and the efforts into achieving the objectives of tourism, Muscat Bay marks another milestone with its official opening of the luxury hotel. Built with an investment of RO 60 million and built-up area of 32,000 square meters. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a unique tourism destination that provides more than 206 rooms with breathtaking views and an extraordinary offering with its hospitality and extensive range of hotel facilities including 3 swimming pools, kids club, spas and sports facilities. Located within the general plan of Muscat Bay’s fully integrated resort, this project resonates with the strategic partnership between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Saraya Oman Holding Company, and it considers as Jumeirah group’s first luxury resort in the Sultanate. It will continue to expand its rich portfolio of hospitality assets and facilities and provide guests with a new experience of leisure and relaxation. In addition to attracting an increasing number of global visitors and investors who can consider the Sultanate of Oman a magnificent tourist destination. Aligning itself with Oman Vision 2040 and national tourism strategy to support the national economy, Muscat Bay resonates with developing …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with OQ to explore potential opportunities in the areas of research, training, exchange of expertise and knowledge, human resource development and to discover various initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable practices, as well as promoting activities related to In-Country Value and empowering SMEs in the tourism sector. The agreement was signed by Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Ashraf bin Hamad Al Mamari, Chief Executive People, Technology & Culture in OQ, in the presence of several officials from both parties at OCEC. The MoC covers exploring collaboration opportunities in training and capacity building through knowledge and experience transfer between parties. It aims to boost sustainability through social, economic, environmental, and cultural initiatives‏. The MoC also covers cooperation in research development and the exchange of expertise in projects. Furthermore, the MoC focuses on social investment projects, local community development activities, boosting ICV and sponsoring SME development programs. Commenting on the MoC, Hashil Al-Mahrouqi said, “The OMRAN Group seeks to implement the principles of sustainability and enhance ICV through strategic initiatives and partnerships as well as empower national competencies and SMEs. We believe that a collaborative approach such as this plays an effective role in achieving national development; therefore, we are keen to leverage it to achieve our goals in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Oman Vision 2040.” Ashraf Al Mamari, Chief Exec. People, Technology & Culture in OQ, said, “The OQ Group seeks to cooperate with the OMRAN Group in key research and development areas within the OQ Group to establish initiatives that boost economic diversification and sustainable practices.” He added, “We strongly believe …

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises signed an agreement with Marriott International to debut the first Four Points by Sheraton in Oman, scheduled to open in early 2024. Operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a third-party hotel management and development company, Four Points by Sheraton Muscat will offer a centralized location for both business and leisure travellers in Qurum. “It gives me great pleasure to announce our first franchise collaboration with Marriott International in the Middle East as we expand our full-service hotel management services in the region. We are honoured to have Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, a trusted and established owner, for our first property in Oman,” said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East & CIS. “We are working closely with the ownership and Marriott International on the full renovation plan,” Bergue continued. Expected to feature 201 guest rooms, the hotel will also offer visitors ballroom and conference facilities, leisure and fitness amenities, and multiple food and beverage venues. Four Points by Sheraton Muscat is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road, including timeless style and comfort with genuine service. Shabeer Mustafa Sultan, Chairman of Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, said, “We are thrilled to work with Valor Hospitality Middle East and Marriott International to bring the Four Points by Sheraton brand to Oman.  This collaboration points to a full renovation and rebranding investment that supports our mission to create long-term value for the tourism, real estate and leisure sectors across Oman. It also supports the vision of Oman’s leaders, particularly in the upscale hotel segment.” Saahil Lalit, Vice President, Development – UAE and Oman, Marriott International …

IntercityHotel Muscat, the hotel brand’s third property in the Sultanate of Oman, has opened its doors on 1st September 2022. The new hotel building is located within the Ministry and Embassy district of Al Khuwair and is part of the prestigious A’Raya development Complex.  IntercityHotel Muscat boasts 273 guest rooms ranging from Standard Rooms to Deluxe Suites. The property includes a special Business Floor offering Business rooms and suites with added benefits of early check-ins, late check-outs, complimentary welcome drinks, and VIP in-room amenities, to name a few. Furthermore, the hotel features the all-day-dining restaurant Citrine as well as a lobby cafe, a pool and gym, a spa with six treatment rooms, four multi-function meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 135 guests and A’Raya Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. According to Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality: “The Middle East is an important destination for both classical tourism and business travel. IntercityHotel fits nicely into the region, as the concept accommodates the needs of any and all travelers. We look forward to our continued successful trajectory in positioning the brand in Oman alongside the hotels in Salalah and Nizwa while successively expanding our portfolio in this region.” General Manager Renjith Chandran adds: “We are delighted to open the IntercityHotel Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. The hotel will cater to all markets from business and leisure to major MICE events. Also working with the National Hotel Management (NHI) and Ministry of Manpower, I look forward to welcoming Omani talents to the team.” IntercityHotel Muscat is perfectly positioned within easy reach of Muscat International Airport and the cultural sights of Al Alam Palace and …

RezLive.com hosted two networking events, firstly in Muscat, followed by Bahrain which was attended by leading local travel agents and tour operators. The purpose of the event was to thank the local travel industry for its consistent support and to inform travel partners about the additional benefits of working with RezLive.com. Real business discussions, a flow of knowledge and information, and a few feedbacks and suggestions took place throughout the session. Jaal Shah (Group Managing Director – Travel Designer Group), firstly expressed his gratitude to the local travel partners for the resounding support they have received from the respective local markets. He also stressed the significance of maintaining and bolstering the strong foundation they share with RezLive.com. Last but not least, he added, we at RezLive.com (A Product of Travel Designer Group) recognise the value of our travel partners and work tirelessly to provide them with cutting-edge services that will simplify their tasks. Zaheer Jeddy, Deputy Regional Manager, updated the travel partners with innovative offerings from RezLive.com and at the same time oriented them about An Exclusive Loyalty program i.e “rezREWARDS”, which was appraised by the local travel partners and they look forward to continuing their support and business cooperation to RezLive.com (Preferred B2B Global Travel Wholesaler).      

Jumeirah Group further expands its international portfolio with the unveiling of an exceptional new resort in the Middle East – Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Nestled within the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah between the Hajar mountains and Gulf of Oman, just 15 minutes from the capital Muscat, Jumeirah Muscat Bay will offer a true sense of serenity and escapism. With sea, mountains and a historic city on its doorstep, it is the ideal spot to disconnect and spend blissful days on the beach, explore the great outdoors via an array of adventurous wellbeing experiences, or venture out to discover the Sultanate’s rich history. Mr. José Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “Oman is a popular destination for those looking to combine nature and wellness with cultural interest. At Jumeirah Muscat Bay, we have focused on taking cues from the natural landscape and its restorative energy and have brought this to life through design and architecture and in keeping with the hallmarks of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, our innovative dining concepts, signature service and exceptional experiences are well represented throughout this resort. As we continue to expand our portfolio, we are delighted to open the doors to this beautiful resort and bring our brand promise of Stay Different, for the first time to Oman.” Jumeirah Muscat Bay will offer 206 spacious rooms and suites, all assuring breath-taking ocean vistas, with connecting rooms available for the perfect family holiday. In addition, five secluded summerhouses in two- and four-bed configurations, and the exceptional Sanctuary Villa, will provide the ultimate hospitality experience, each with a private pool, dedicated butler service and access to an exclusive private beach. Modern arabesque design features throughout the resort …