How was the tourism season in 2007, especially for your hotel?

In the last year we experienced a modest growth in the overall business activities in the Leisure market segment with continued support from the Travel Agencies. The Al Sawadi Resort has all the pre-requisites that leisure guests are looking for like the sandy beaches, water sports activities, good food and entertainment. The tourist season also saw visitors from other neighboring GCC countries especially from the United Arab Emirates, which contributed in boosting our leisure week- end business.

What new initiatives are taken to boost occupancy figures?  Anything like new restaurants or so on?

We have initiated some innovative new ideas to enhance our brand image. Our meet & greet services at the airport have been strengthened with a personalized welcome gesture. We have increased our sales and marketing efforts to go after new business. Although much of our leisure business comes from the EU countries mostly from Germany, Austria, we are looking to tap the tourists from other Gulf States and Asia. We have introduced new menus in our F&B outlets with live entertainment. This has an added value effect for guests using our restaurants and bars. The recreational activities now include a Dive Centre, Horse Riding and a variety of water sports.

Where do your guests mostly come from?

Most of our guests in the leisure sector come from the European Union counties, mostly from Germany, Austria, and France. We have recently seen an increase of leisure business from Italy and Switzerland, and other Gulf States and some from Asia/Pacific.

What are the major MICE activities planned for 2008 and do you have a strategy in place to develop this market segment?

We have in recent times, seen an interest growing in the Meetings and Conferences sector. Many Companies within the Sultanate have used the hotel for their retreats, management incentives, and meetings. There is a tremendous growth potential in this sector and inquiries are pouring in. The hotel is the ideal get-away location with its environment and soothing atmosphere that blends with the occasion of making meetings and conferences very exciting. The hotel has a large Ballroom and small meeting rooms that can accommodate and meet client’s expectations. The water sports activities are yet another selling tool that will attract visiting clients to spend quality time in relaxation when they are not busy.  All of the facilities and activities are being marketed within the Sultanate, United Arab Emirates and other neighboring counties in using the hotel for their meetings, conferences and incentive programs.

What are the major MICE activities planned for 2008 and do you have a strategy in place to develop this market segment?

The Government of Oman with its vision supported by His Majesty to work with the Ministry of Tourism is leaving no stone un-turned in boosting tourism in the country. Oman is ideally the tourist destination among the Gulf States which has much to offer with its rich culture and heritage. The future looks positive.

Are you expecting any downturn compared to last year due to the global financial crisis?  

Its early times to see a down-side affect in the future due to the on-going Global financial crises. Although there is no immediate threat, the future holds the key.