New milestone for Swiss-Belhotel in Oman
|
New milestone for Swiss-Belhotel in Oman
|
Category: Middle East - Oman - Industry economy
- Hotel projects
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-01-22
Hong Kong based Swiss-Belhotel International has announced their tenth hotel in the Middle East. Owned by the Ministry of Tourism and managed by Swiss-Belhotel International, the Swiss-Belhotel Resort Masirah Island in Oman is being completed and will commence operations within the next few months.
The official signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding took place in the office of H.E. Mohammed Hamood Al Tobi, the Undersecretary of Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of GOHTEC, with his esteemed presence on the occasion along with Mr. Prakash Gabra, Chief Financial Officer of Oman Tourism and Development Company SAOC. His Excellency stated, “We are very pleased to be associated with Swiss-Belhotel International and look forward to the resort opening soon. We will give Swiss-Belhotel International every support to ensure that the resort will be a great success.”
“In the challenging global economic situation, acquiring a second hotel in Oman is very encouraging and shows a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. We appreciate such Owners who are optimistic for the future and who have confidence in Swiss-Belhotel International.” said Mr Edgar Solenthaler, Vice President, Operations & Development - Middle East, Swiss-Belhotel International.
Swiss-Belhotel Masirah Island is the second association Swiss-Belhotel International has with the government of Oman. In January 2008 Swiss-Belhotel International took over and rebranded the resort on Sohar Beach in Oman, Sohar Beach by Swiss-Belhotel. This resort has become one of the highest revenue yield generators in The Group and we look forward to continuing this success with Swiss-Belhotel Resort Masirah Island.
Masirah (Arabic: مصيرة) is an island off the East coast of Oman, 95 km long and 12-18 km wide, with an area of about 649 km², and a population estimated at 12,000 in 12 villages mainly in the north of the island. Home to 35,000 sea turtles, one of the largest turtle colonies in the world, 400 species of birds and pristine coral reefs, Masirah, Oman’s largest island, is a celebration of aquatic life.
The nature travelers with an inclination for adventure, the experience at Masirah starts even before you arrive at the resort. The journey begins with a 6 hour journey from Muscat by road followed by a one and half hour exotic ferry trip to the island.
Swiss-Belhotel Masirah Island is the only resort on the island that features 22 guest studios, suites and chalets, a ballroom, an all day dining restaurant, two bars, swimming pool, health club with jacuzzi and a multiuse court. The environment being an important aspect of the guest’s experience, the resort will offer many water and aquatic activities.
“Phase I of the hotel will open by April 2009” said Mr Solenthaler.
“Oman continues to be a favourite destination for Gulf travelers. Oman has the potential to become a dual destination with Dubai for those tourists who appreciate the contrast of the bustling, gleaming city of Dubai with the aquatic exotic destination of Masirah Island” he added. “Swiss-Belhotel International will open three new hotels in The Middle East in 2009 and Swiss-Belhotel Mesirah Island will complement our Group’s expansion in The Middlle East”.
|
|
