Thursday 03 / October / 2024
MUSCAT: A heartwarming scene unfolded as visitors were welcomed at the entrance of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, greeted by a resilient and spirited Omani individual with physical disability. His beaming smile echoed the sheer joy of being employed and trained at this popular mountain resort.
Meet Mohammed Al Oumri, one of the five newly-appointed trainees at the resort, who is part of the 'GIFTed' initiative, a noble endeavour, launched recently by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) as part of the #IAmTourism strategy.
Besides Mohammed, the other four include his brother Ahmed, Fathi Al Amri, Ahmed Al Dughari and Ahmed Al Tubi.
The initiative has left an indelible mark on many hearts and at the forefront of this initiative, focused on empowering individuals with disabilities to excel in the tourism sector, is Jagdeep Thakral, the General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, Oman.
In an exclusive conversation with Times of Oman, Thakral shared his deep involvement in this mission, a cause that has remained close to his heart throughout his two-decade-long journey in the hospitality industry.
"My journey began in 2010 in Singapore when I became part of the Enabling Employers Network (EEN) while working at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre (IHG Group). EEN, a collaborative effort of the Singapore government, corporates, and special schools, aimed to equip people with disabilities with skills for open employment. We trained and employed individuals with various disabilities, including Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, slow learning, and hearing and speech impairments," Thakral recounted.
"By the time I departed from Singapore, we had successfully employed 235 people with disabilities across multiple hotels and companies," he added.
Driven by his passion for providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, Thakral was invited to deliver a speech on the subject at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2013.
His exceptional contribution was acknowledged with the UN ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in Bangkok in 2014.
"We advocated the model of training and hiring persons with disabilities, urging other companies to follow suit. In my previous roles in South Korea (2017), Bangkok (2018), and Jakarta (2019), I remained committed to this mission. Upon joining in Oman earlier this year, I proposed a similar project and I am grateful to OMRAN for their wholehearted support," said Thakral.
"Partnering with the Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, with full support from OMRAN, we initiated a project where we welcomed five individuals with disabilities to join our property starting November 19. The programme aims to provide them with training until April 19, preparing them for employment within our establishment or the burgeoning hospitality industry in Oman," he explained.
"Throughout the six-month training, our commitment is to enrich their experience, offering essential knowledge and skills in a safe, comprehensive environment that nurtures their potential, both professionally and socially," added Thakral.
"The selected individuals will undergo training in kitchen stewarding, laundry, housekeeping, and concierge services."
He added: “Their [five participants] extraordinary journey within the initiative showcases a fervent desire to excel in the hospitality industry, leaving an unfading mark on both their leaders and the resort's discerning guests. The strides they have made since the programme's inception reflect not only their passion for learning but also the transformative impact of the programme in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve excellence.”
Promote social integration with the programme
The 'GIFTed' programme aims not only to raise awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the tourism sector but also to promote social integration by highlighting their significant role in the community.
At the programme’s launch recently at the resort, Hilal bin Masoud Al Jadidi, Chief Human Capital Officer at OMRAN Group, said, "The ‘GIFTed’ initiative stands as a cornerstone of our #IAmTourism strategy, serving as a roadmap to empower national talent in this opportunity-rich sector. We strongly believe in enhancing professional opportunities for people with disabilities, acknowledging the talents and capabilities they possess. We aspire to utilise the outcomes of this initiative as a model across our assets and future projects.
Resort revenues go up in November
Notably, dusitD2 Naseem Resort had introduced a special celebratory package to mark the 53rd Oman National Day.
During the National Day holidays, the resort experienced full occupancy, treating guests to traditional oud performances at Veranda Restaurant and a saxophonist-led band at Sky View Restaurant.
"At our lavish buffet at Veranda, guests savoured the popular Shuwa dish alongside other Omani and international cuisines, while Sky View served Lebanese food.
November's revenue for the resort increased by nearly 75 percent compared to the previous year. Most of our guests indulged in adventure and various recreational activities at our unique Adventure Park, the only one in the Sultanate," he added.
"We have plans underway to upgrade several facilities, including the lobby, guest rooms, and the Kids Club. Additionally, we aim to construct another pool, a kids' play area, and a café in the coming year," Thakral revealed.
Before assuming his role in Oman, Thakral served as the General Manager of The Grand New Delhi, successfully elevating the hotel to the luxury segment by enhancing products and standardizing systems and processes. He commenced his tenure as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar in April this year.
