The Sultanate of Oman’s thriving tourism sector is set to welcome Kempinski and Fairmont whose presence will give Oman’s skyline a major facelift. Preparations are on for both hotels to open in a couple of years time from now as part of the developments at the Wave, Oman’s first and most successful Integrated Tourism Community (ITC), as reported by Oman Daily Observer.
“Kempinski is likely to open by early 2015 and it will be the first new five-star hotel in Muscat in the last 20 years. Fairmont will follow a few years later. MoUs for these hotels were signed a few years ago”, David Stafford, vice-president sales and marketing at The Wave.
With ‘several hundreds’ of rooms and a one-of-its-kind ballroom, Kempinski is expected to be a major landmark in the country. “We will be able to provide you with more details in the due course of time”, Stafford said, adding an overwhelming response from the investors has been already received but they are in the process of choosing the right investors.
“The Integrated Tourism Projects hold great potential in Oman. We are receiving great response from across the region for potential investments in the hotel industry and in Oman, it is particularly very strong”, Strafford said.
“The basic advantage of ITC projects is that they give a sustainable route for development where demand and supply can be in equilibrium, quality can be ensured and investments can be attracted. If planned and executed well, Integrated Tourism projects can become real success stories in the real estate sector in Oman.”
Another advantage of investing in an Integrated Tourism Project is that you do not buy just a standalone apartment, on the other hand, you actually buy a lifestyle.
“Such projects are the future of Oman. More and more young Omanis and ’empty nest’ Omanis (elderly ones whose children have left home) are opting for simpler lives where they can live in larger homes and have household staff to cater to their needs. They love a lock it and leave it lifestyle and Integrated Tourism Projects provide just that.”