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Muscat - Omran has said that several of its upcoming projects are on track. One of the most keenly-awaited projects is Fort Hotel inspired by the Omani heritage.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, James Wilson, CEO of Omran, said, "The hotel has already been designed and it is ready to be built once we get the contract.
"If you look at successful hotels inspired by local architecture around the world they are located on the beach. However, we are currently looking at options. Another important factor for the hotel to be successful and give returns on investment to its shareholder, the Ministry of Finance in our case, is that it needs to operate on at least 75 per cent occupancy."
He added, "We are at an early stage. We are now engaging with the Ministry of Tourism and will see how we can associate ourselves with the project."
Speaking about other projects, Wilson said, "We are looking at more sustainable projects that give return on investments. We need to be careful where we spend money."
The Baleed Seafood Restaurant will be operational by next month. "We have appointed a Lebanese-fusion brand from Dubai to run the restaurant. It will be operational in the next 20 to 30 days."
As many as 150 cruise ships will visit Omani ports this season, Wilson said. "Each cruise ship will have hundreds of travellers on board. Navy ships too will visit our ports.
"The common complaint we get from tourists is lack of toilets and other facilities. We will fix such problems as we proceed with the waterfront development project."
He said that the refurbished Al Hoota Cave is likely to get a zip-line in the near future. "It will keep teenagers occupied. It will be a fantastic experience. It will be up to international standards," Wilson added.
Omran is also working on a youth hostel project which will open next year. "The tourism facility in Al Ashkara is closed now. We will refurbish the facility to make it operational next year."
We will also build a campsite next to the facility where you can have motor homes and luxury five-star motor homes.
"People can drive and camp there. That is a model we will be putting in place.They can rent a motor home or stay in three or four star youth hostel that will have swimming pools and different amenities for children."
He added, "We are currently concentrating on Madinat al Irfan, Port Sultan Qaboos, new hotel and ITC projects and a hotel project in Salalah."
© Muscat Daily 2016
