SALALAH, April 17 -
There is a feeling of boost in tourism sector in Salalah due to approaching Khareef and the investments which are going to ease the pressure of guest accommodation in the city.
Five undergoing hotel projects are fast approaching completion, while two others have already opened their doors for guests. Thus, they are ready to add at least 1,851 hotel rooms between May and December this year.
Among the new hotels, Al Dyafa and Grand Tayba are already operational while Al Shada Salalah, Millennium, one hotel in the name of traditional Dhofar (may be Puntland), Tulip Inn and Saada Grand Mall are undergoing final stages of completion and are likely to open by the year-end.
There is one good thing about Salalah that demand for new hotel rooms is always there which keeps the authorities and investors engaged, as the tourists’ footfall beat the expectations and demand for rooms keep on increasing.
“In 2016 there was urgent demand for extra 1,000 three- to five-star hotel rooms to meet future needs of the guests. Today in the pipeline are 1,851. Still we are expecting more demand in future. Thus, there are projects under feasibility or approval stages and soon to be in the pipeline,” said a source in the Ministry of Tourism.
The availability thus would be 5,197 with 3,346 existing hotel rooms and 1,851 new additions. Hawana Salalah properties Rotana and Al Fanar also have added about 100 rooms each in their facilities. Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Marriott, Rotana, Juweira and Al Fanar contribute 1,700 hotel rooms, while Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has 136 rooms with single, double and three-bedroom pool villas. It caters mainly to high end tourists and corporate.
The need for more hotel rooms is being raised by the tour operators, who feel that the potential of Salalah would be tapped fully if the destination has plenty of rooms available for guests from abroad.
“Because nothing less than three-star is acceptable for the tourists coming from European destinations, as the current capacity is fully booked and we are not in a position to bring more tourists due to non-availability of rooms,” said a manager of Meeting Point Tourism Oman.
When asked about relief offered by new supply of rooms he said, “We were looking for this opportunity as the number of charter guests is increasing every year.”
Commenting on the sudden demand for Salalah among European tourists, a tour operator said, “It is not sudden, as charter flights are operating in Salalah sector for the last 10 years. It has gained momentum due to its popularity among the tourists and several campaigns launched by the tourism authorities to promote the destination.”
Salalah’s hotel scene is likely to improve more with Muriya’s development plan in Salalah Hawana beach area and some more private projects coming in that area. Some new hotel projects are also coming in Itin and Awqad areas.
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