Saturday 16 / November / 2024
Muscat: There will always be a demand for an exclusive tourist destination, regardless of economic conditions, said a top official from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort, which is set to open for guests in July.
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“The economy affects the tourism industry, in general, but there will always be tourists who are looking for a unique experience, and this is exactly what we offer at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. So, we are quite optimistic in our new venture. Oman has a lot of potential and there are extensive opportunities to attract both GCC and international markets,” Darren Darwin, the General Manager of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, said during an exclusive interview with Times of Oman.
According to Darwin, under the government’s 2020 vision plan Oman is preparing to welcome 12 million visitors annually by 2020.Observers note that government and private sector investment, including the $6.1 billion development of improved airport facilities and a new convention centre, are all driving the tourism industry.
“Our booking engine is now live and, as of this week, guests can make reservations for stays from July onwards. However, we are already receiving group and individual enquiries,” he said, adding that the dramatic canyon seen from Diana’s Point – a platform named after Princess Diana, who once came to this site – will add glitter to weddings.
Perched at 2,000 metres above sea level, the resort will be the highest five-star resort in the Middle East and amongst the highest resorts in the world.
“The resort’s architecture will reflect the mountainous surroundings and Oman’s artistic culture, while the contemporary design motifs will depict the region’s ancient forts. We have worked very closely with POD Architecture and our interior designer, Lotfi Sidirahal, to create a resort that embodies the Anantara ethos, as well as local Omani culture. Guests can experience how indigenous elements blend seamlessly with world class accommodations and facilities and can also hide away in a private villa,” Darwinsaid.
The resort is 66,000sqm and will have 115 rooms and villas overlooking the canyons, as well as 82 premier and deluxe canyon view rooms, and 33 private pool villas.
The resort will also have a night-time star gazing platform, along with a canyon view platform.
“This is the only restaurant in Oman that is designed in the shape of a fort,” Darwin added, while noting that a Friday Souk will be set up, which will involve local community members selling products and displaying their art. They have also employed local experts to assist with their programs.
Further, according to Darwin, the resort will work with communities in the Al Dakhliyah region to ensure local residents benefit from the hotel opening in July.
“We will also be working closely with local rose water distilleries during the prime season to arrange trips for guests,” the general manager added.
Once the resort is fully operational, it will employ 291 people, with a mix of nationals and expatriates.
“The resort is working closely with the ministry of manpower and Oman Tourism College, as part of its efforts to train and recruit Omanis,” Darwin added.
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the revenues from hotels classified as three to five stars exceeded OMR192m during 2015, compared to OMR191m in 2014.
Also, the occupancy rate recorded a 2.1 per cent rise to reach 61.7 per cent compared to 60.4 per cent logged during the same period of 2014.
Additionally, the number of Omani guests stood at 356,067, while those from other GCC companies reached 160,604. Arab guests were 57,396, while Europeans and Asians numbered 388,707 and 155,051, respectively. African guests stood at 6,456 while American guests reached 44,628, and guests from Oceania reached 10,839.
