Tourism plan forms part of Oman commercial growth

A deal has been signed by tourism chiefs to build the latest piece in the jigsaw to create a new industrial and commercial hub in Oman.

Omran, the government of Oman’s tourism & development executive arm, has inked an agreement with the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to develop Crowne Plaza Duqm Resort in Duqm, a 228-room hotel due to open in 2011.

It is the latest stage in a master plan to develop Duqm which also includes designated areas for an airport, an oil refinery, free trade zones and oil storage facilities as well as a fishing harbour.

In addition, a residential town centre is planned together with tourism-related facilities including hotels, resorts and a public beach.

Wael al-Lawati, CEO, Oman said: “Duqm is a rapidly growing costal town with a prime geographic location, and we are pleased to be partnering with IHG to introduce world-class hospitality facilities into the area.

"Within the next five years, Duqm will be transformed into a major commercial port, dry dock, and a shipbuilding yard, together with other major services and industries."

John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG, added: “The plan by the Omani government to include a wider range of tourism facilities is also expected to establish Duqum as an attractive leisure destination in the region, and Crowne Plaza Duqm Resort will be developed to cater to the leisure segment within five to seven years from opening.”

The Crowne Plaza Dqum Resort will be IHG’s sixth property in Oman.