Omran, the Oman government’s tourism development and investment arm, recently signed a management agreement with Millennium Hotels and Resorts to take on the four-star hotel under construction at the site of the Asian Beach Games – Muscat 2010.
The deal was signed by Dr Rajiha bint Abdul Ameer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism, and chairman of Omran, and Ali Lakhraim, president and CEO of Millennium Hotels Middle East.
The development will be Millennium’s first property in Oman and will have more than 250 rooms. The hotel will also feature two destination restaurants, one within the property and one on the marina, a tea lounge, sports facilities, including swimming pool, banquet facilities totalling 500 sq m, retail outlets and outdoor seating along the marina
The property will be a landmark element of the 1-million-sq-m site in Musannah, one hour away from Muscat, which also features Olympic-quality sporting facilities, an athletes’ village, a range of restaurants and retail facilities. The waterfront location will also accommodate a 400-berth marina, which will be a key attraction for those staying at the hotel.
Dr Rajiha said: “We are extremely pleased to enter into this management agreement with Millennium Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s most highly-regarded global hotel operators. The Asian Beach Games site is of strategic importance to Omran and a key tourism development for Oman.
“Our pride in hosting the 2010 Muscat Asian Beach Games drives us to set the highest standards for developing the site and delivering a landmark hotel which fully meets those standards. The hotel is a fitting destination for all those visiting Oman for the games from around the world.”
Lakhraim added: “The slogan for the Asian Beach Games – Muscat 2010 is ‘together we shine’ and I believe that this slogan lends itself to how we see our relationship with Omran, one of the most progressive and ambitious entities we have had the opportunity to work with in this region. Our mission is to complement Oman’s vision by offering superior facilities and unparalleled Arabian hospitality and we hope to enhance Oman’s recognition as a sport and eco-tourism destination on a global scale.”
Work is currently on schedule at the Asian Beach Games site, which is set to open in time for the games in December 2010. Omran’s latest progress update said that the construction is overall 66 per cent complete and fully on track for the November delivery.
This will be the second Asian Beach Games following the inaugural event in Bali in 2008. An estimated 5,000 athletes, officials, media and volunteers from 45 counties are expected to participate.