03 February 2013
Aerial tramway, water park, adventure themes in the scheme

MUSCAT -- The famous blowholes of Maghseel in Dhofar Governorate, a major tourist draw during the khareef holiday season, will soon be complemented by a lavish resort development. Omran, the wholly government-owned tourism development company affiliated to the Ministry of Tourism, will oversee the implementation of Al Maghseel Resort along a scenic beachfront swath not far from the site of Salalah's unique blowhole phenomenon.

"The area of Al Maghseel is a tourist area in the Governorate of Dhofar," said Abdulwahid al Farsi, Vice-President -- External Affairs, Omran. "The target is to attract local and foreign tourists who prefer a quiet atmosphere and various outdoor activities. Various services and facilities will be available, including accommodation, entertainment and an aerial tramway."

Importantly, adventure, recreation and leisure pursuits, as well as family-oriented entertainment are some of the key themes that will be on offer at the resort development. A cable car, mini train, family entertainment centre, picnic spot, water park and cinema are some of the many amenities envisaged at the sprawling facility.

For the adventure-minded, there will be opportunities for rock climbing, water sports, sky gliding and camping. Trails for biking, hiking, and rim walking will meander through the hills overlooking the beachfront resort development. Visitors will also be able to choose from a diverse selection of guest accommodation that will include chalet, a tent hotel and a unique 'burnout hotel'.

Construction work on the resort scheme is expected to commence sometime later this year, Al Farsi said. The facility has been conceived and designed to attract tourists all 12 months of the year. "The resort will be open to visitors all year long. Average (guest) stay will vary from 3-5 days," he noted.

Significantly, Al Maghseel Resort is one of a string of hospitality and leisure projects being promoted by Omran in Dhofar Governorate. Work is due to shortly begin on a high-end resort planned for development in Al Baleed Village, close to the Al Baleed World Heritage Site in Salalah. A joint venture of Omran and Musstir LLC (a subsidiary of MB Holding) is investing in Al Baleed Resort, which will be operated by the reputable Anantara Hotel Resorts chain.

Designed to international standards, Al Baleed Resort will feature 106 chalets with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, recreational facilities and spa, restaurants and cafes, shops, business facilities and special event venues.

The main hotel will include 30 rooms. Well-known construction firm Carillion Alawi was recently awarded a contract to build the facility. Not far from Al Baleed Resort, Omran plans to develop an exclusive seafood restaurant. The diner will be designed in a modern manner and will reflect Oman's maritime heritage. It will feature 60 seats for indoor dining, 50 seats for outdoor dining, and 30 seats for dining on the roof. Tourism is projected to contribute 5 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020, up from 3.5 per cent in 2011. The industry is also projected to generate an estimated 130,000 jobs by then, according to Al Farsi.

© Oman Daily Observer 2013