The hospitality sector is not yet clear which way to go even though the Khareef season is knocking Salalah. The pandemic has hit the industry so hard that the operators are waiting to see some silver lining that can sustain them.
Some hoteliers are pinning hopes on vaccination, while others are hopeful of domestic tourism to open in the current situation and scorching heat that the country is witnessing.
“Let it start even with domestic tourists,” said most of the hospitality managers.
Mehmet Tunç Müstecaplıoğlu, Area General Manager, Marina Town, Salalah, expressed full faith in the system and said, “It all depends on the country’s stand on the Covid-19 situation. We believe Omani authorities are doing everything they can and more to ensure they can review all economies, including ours.”
He, however, said that the pandemic has forced the hospitality sector to think out of the box, prepare for any scenario and be ready to welcome guests even with shorter notice than before.
“The same applies to Khareef. It’s a season that brings joy to the locals and the surrounding population. We take pride in welcoming travellers in Salalah.”
Commenting on the pandemic challenges that his hotels – Salalah Rotana, Fanar Hotel and Residences, Juweira boutique hotel – are facing, Müstecaplıoğlu said, “Our challenges in Oman are not drastically different from the rest of the world. With the current rate of vaccinations in Oman and our source markets in Europe, we are confident that we are moving in the right direction. We have learnt in the last one year that the situation may evolve differently at any time with short notice.”
He, however, assured that the facilities were ready for everything and anytime to operate.
Manuel Levonian, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Salalah Resort, has hopes from this year’s Khareef due to the vaccination campaign going on a full scale in the country.
“Khareef this year is expected to bring back better tourist traffic to Salalah. The city is ready to offer relief to people facing scorching heat in the North of Oman.”
He assured the best possible health and hygiene to guests and colleagues to ensure that all guests stay in a safe and secure atmosphere while enjoying their stay activities at the resort.
“We should ensure that everyone follows the instructions of the Supreme Committee on Covid-19 with absolute diligence and adherence to the hygiene practices. That will help us to overcome these tough times whilst enjoying the beauty of Salalah in Khareef,” he said.
He hinted at lucrative packages for Khareef and called upon prospective guests to avail of them, as they have been drafted to attract visitors in the current situation.
Ahmed Massoud, General Manager, Hilton Salalah Resort, called for some direction to boost the economy and opening of the tourism sector gradually.
“Some bold decision needs to be taken for Khareef season as all the stakeholders should come together and take a collective call to boost the sector,” he said and added that there should not be any compromise on precautions, health and safety measures.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
