Oman- Ministry signs contracts for ten tourism projects

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has signed renewable long-term contracts for these. These projects would increase the number of hotel establishments and other facilities required by tourists. H E Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, signed the contracts with ten investors to work on these projects in various wilayats of the sultanate.

These investors are of the firm view that the investment in the tourism sector was promising and matches with the approach of the government to strengthen the tourism sector and provide all sorts of facilities for investment in this area. Mohammed bin Ahmad al Madhani is investing in a three-star hotel in the wilayat Madha in Musandam governorate.

The hotel will come up at a cost of RO3mn which would include preparation of the place, cost of buildings and well-equipped hotel establishments. Smart buildings Madhani said that this hotel was based on the concept of smart buildings and smart rooms. 'By incorporating this idea in the designing of the hotel, we want to enter the hospitality industry with smart services.'

Environment resort Khalid al Wadahi of the wilayat of Quriyat is an investor in an environmental resort project which would come up at a cost of RO16mn. It will be the first eco-tourism resort in Oman. Tourist camp Ali bin Mohammed al Harthy is investing in a project of establishing a luxury tourist camp in the wilayat of Al Qabel in North Sharqiyah governorate for RO700,000.

The camp will consist of 57 different types of luxury and classic family rooms, in addition to other facilities.

Said bin Obaid al Darmaki from the wilayat of Shinas is making an investment in a three-star hotel which would have 77 rooms in its seven floors and would have other facilities such as restaurants, gymnasium, bowling alley, conference halls and recreation areas. It would cover 11,460sq m of land.

Mohammed bin Khairallah al Balouchi, an investor from the wilayat of Bukha in Musandam governorate, said that his project was for the establishment of an environmental resort. The three-star resort would cost RO2mn as there are certain challenges in developing a resort in the area and its designing. It would require two years for completion.

Nasser Hamad al Sarimi, a member of the board of directors of Nakhl National Company, said that the first agreement is for establishment of a three-star hotel in the wilayat Nakhl of South Batinah governorate. He said that the second agreement was for the establishment of a restaurant complex opposite the hotel with a wonderful view overlooking the road leading to Al Thawarah fountain known for its hot water and scenic views. Growth in tourism Ahmad bin Isa al Meshani is making an investment in two-star hotel apartments in Salalah worth RO370,000. He said that the project is located on an area of 2,5570sq m which would have 22 hotel apartments, restaurants and multiple tourist cafés. The project would take a year and a half for completion.