Oman hotel licence limits signal ‘desire to enhance quality’

Oman hotel licence limits signal ‘desire to enhance quality’

The decision by Oman to impose restrictions on new hotel developments across the sultanate demonstrates a focus on quality over quantity, an industry analyst says. From February 1, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will not accept any requests for new hotels in the Muscat governorate, aside from Quriyat and Al Amerat. Applications for hotel […]

Clampdown in Muscat

Hotel guests up 30%

Occupancy rates up 9%

The decision by Oman to impose restrictions on new hotel developments across the sultanate demonstrates a focus on quality over quantity, an industry analyst says.

From February 1, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will not accept any requests for new hotels in the Muscat governorate, aside from Quriyat and Al Amerat. Applications for hotel apartments in Salalah will also be refused.

It is understood Oman’s hotel restrictions have been introduced to tackle the current imbalance in hotel accommodation in the country.

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“By putting a temporary hold on new hotel licences, the Omani authorities may be signalling a desire to enhance the quality and competitiveness of existing accommodations, rather than increasing numbers,” said Dr Sean Lochrie, assistant professor at Heriot-Watt