Support of ancillary businesses drives Omani entrepreneurism
Musandam, Oman – Six Senses Zighy Bay, the award-winning resort is firmly behind the Sultanate of Oman’s drive to create a global destination for tourism by 2040, growing visitor numbers to 5 million as part of the its 20-year strategy.
With the Oman Ministry of Tourism’s goal of creating 500,000 jobs in the hospitality sector by 2040, Six Senses Zighy Bay is redoubling efforts to create job opportunities, and support for careers, as well as partnering with businesses that directly support Omani enterprise, such as suppliers, farms and artisans.
Created to resemble an Omani village, the mountain-based resort enjoys views of the dramatic Hajar Mountains and the azure waters of Zighy Bay, in a spectacular isolated location in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Combining contemporary and traditional Omani architecture, the collection of one-bedroom villas, duplex two-bedroom villas, The Retreat and Beit Musandam – The Private Reserve each come with a private pool, 24-hour Guest Experience Makers (GEM) service and most are designed with an Arabian Summerhouse.
Aaron McGrath, the resort’s General Manager said, “People come to Oman to experience the country, which includes interacting and meeting nationals who are better placed to explain the history and culture, as well as providing the most in-depth knowledge on the country. We’re proud of our Omani team members, who’ve embraced their roles as our ambassadors, but as outlined by the Director General at Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, we have a clearly defined and structured road map towards the country’s goals for 2040, which includes growing our national workforce, across the resorts, from food & beverage, sports & activities, front of house, management and wellness.”
Six Senses Zighy Bay’s Director of HR, Adil Al Lawati, an Omani national, has been charged with driving the resort’s Omanisation program, and is eager to see Oman’s tourism industry grow: “Hospitality is an Arabian tradition, it’s part of our heritage to care for our visitors, and ensuring that our team here understands the Omani culture is incredibly important. At Six Senses Zighy Bay we’ve put in place a program of development and career progression, as we grow our own team members within the resort; the aim is to develop their careers as hospitality specialists, rather than just having a job. We continually monitor their progress, provide training and language development classes, and our nationals now cover a number of roles in the resort, from stewarding, transportation, to public relations and security.”
The resort is also conscious of ensuring that their supplier network, as much as possible, supports the Omani economy. While they move to a more self-sufficient stance in terms of produce and livestock, having developed a farm close to the resort, a number of other elements provided through the resort are made locally. Artisanal products sold in the resorts’ gift shop, as well as jewellery, fragrance and clothing are all sourced from Omani manufacturers, further communicating the country’s traditions and culture.
“It is part of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas brand ethos to be a pillar in the community, and to immerse itself in local surroundings, while providing the brand’s signature look and feel, and we’re working incredibly hard to ensure that we deliver on that promise,” asserted McGrath.
“We’re focused on contributing to Oman’s tourism multiplier effect, and ensuring that industries in the country continue to grow and diversify, in line with hospitality.”
