Domestic tourism has been offering a lifeline to Oman’s hospitality sector during the pandemic period.
Authorities, however, are particular about safety precautions to be followed both by the travellers and hospitality providers.
“It is the responsibility of both hotel establishments and their guests to ensure that all safety precautions are followed even as they take advantage of the long Eid al Adha holidays, starting from this weekend,” official statements have indicated.
“It is tough staying home during the long holidays announced this year. But, while gatherings with friends are prohibited, people can still take advantage of the limited time window as hotels and resorts have been allowed to accept guests, following health protocols,” said Laila, who is planning a trip to Salalah in the next few weeks.
“Both residents and citizens should enjoy these long holidays in their own way as it is a restricted lockdown, except for three days.” Ganapathy Naidu, an engineer who had to delay his annual trip to India.
Hotels and online booking websites have been reporting positive responses for the upcoming holidays.
The Supreme Committee has imposed the evening lockdown between 5 pm and 4 am from July 16. During the first three days of Eid al Adha, commercial activities will be closed, and the movement of individuals and vehicles completely prohibited throughout the day.
To ensure the availability of basic services and to facilitate the movement of emergency people, a call centre will operate during the period of complete closure with the participation of key government institutions.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) said that the call centre (1099) would deal with Citizens and residents’ inquiries, to provide facilities according to emergency cases that some may face during the period of complete closure.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has issued fresh guidelines for hotels and tourism establishments.
The use of hotel facilities is limited to in-house guests during the ban period.
Hotel establishments must adhere to preventive measures and not exceed 50 per cent of their capacity.
Establishments located in Musandam Governorate will be excluded from the closure decision.
Employees working in hotel establishments can obtain permits from their workplace to pass during the closure period.
Hotel and tourism establishments located in the Governorate of Dhofar must adhere to the preventive measures and not exceed 50 per cent of their room occupancy.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
