MUSCAT -- Having achieved incredibly successful performance during 2013, Millennium Resort Musannah has a line of projects for expansion during 2014, says General Manager Maurice De Rooij. For Millennium Resort Musannah, 2013 proved very successful as the resort set new performance records in all key areas. Online travel booking for the resort increased by 125 per cent in 2013 and it is looking to further increase its online services by integrating social media into a long-term communication strategy to reach as many potential guests as possible. During 2014, the resort will launch a fully-fledged spa and wellness centre, fitness club, signature 'Azur' restaurant, as well as a fully equipped educational kids club to further enhance the options available.
The expanded range of facilities and options for the whole family will further position MRM as one of Oman's leading lifestyle destinations, highlighting the unique features of the resort, and the Al Batinah coastline as the Sultanate's newest tourist hotspot. Developed by Omran, the leading tourism-related investment‚ development and management company, Millennium Resort Mussanah will continue to expand in 2014 with an emphasis on creating innovative services to become the leading lifestyle destination in the Sultanate, inviting local and international visitors to an oasis of entertainment, escape and relaxation. The three markets of families, niche tourism and international sport and recreation are pivotal to MRM's plans for 2014.
In comments to the Observer, Rooij says traditionally, tourism to Oman from the GCC centred around the Khareef season but with the growth of international tourism and attractions in the Sultanate -- such as leisure and business conferencing -- we have seen steady increase in the popularity of the country. Oman is unique in the region and offers something different from its neighbours, the spectacular landscape and year-round sun has made the Sultanate an attractive winter vacation for European tourists and a new market for niche tourism. Significant investment in the sector has diversified the target markets and boosted visitor numbers. The redevelopment of Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport and the new airport in Duqm will further increase tourism to the country, both in terms of leisure and business tourists.
Rooij says, "In September 2013, Maitha al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, stated that the tourism sector's contribution to Oman's GDP is currently 2.4 per cent, but that the goal is to increase it to three per cent by 2015. Visitors to Oman from the GCC rose by 37 per cent in the first half of 2013, compared to the same period in the year before. Tourism and hospitality in Oman has been on the increase for many years now and reached $1 billion for the first time in 2012, an increase of $100m from the year before and $300m from 2010".
"We recognise the need to increase the participation of Omanis in the hospitality industry, and creating a sustainable workforce will bring many benefits to the long term prosperity of Oman. To this end, MRM has maintained a commitment to developing local talent and providing opportunities for professional growth. New recruits undergo one year training programme which will set them on the road to becoming managers and leaders of the future", adds Rooij.
The hotel provides the platform for talented Omani artists to showcase their work within the hotel and became the first hotel in the country to join Omran's Musahamatee initiative, allowing visitors to donate to charitable activity directly from their bill. We also partnered with local tour operators to increase accessibility and awareness of the resort. In August 2013 it hosted a weekend getaway to allow tour operators to promote the resort based on their experience.
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
