22/07/2011 | C. Martin
The Sultanate of Oman is to see a major boom in its hospitality industry in the coming years, as the government speeds up its efforts to boost infrastructure to cater for the growing number of people planning to go on luxury holidays to the Arab state.
The tourism industry in Oman is expected to account for 2.4% of the total GDP by 2020, compared with 1.5% in 2010.
Oman plans a 20% increase in government spending in 2011.
To boost the tourism sector, efforts have been launched to increase the number of hotel rooms available in Oman, helping create a number of new jobs for people in the sultanate.
Real estate specialist Cluttons said in a report: "Despite some fluctuations, development in the number of hotels and hotel rooms in Oman has progressed at an average rate of 7 per cent per annum over the last five years.
"Hotel projects identified as having a moderate-to-high chance of being built over the next 5 years would add 5,000 to 6,000 rooms to the 3 to 5 star hospitality sector in the Muscat capital area."
This is expected to offer a tough competition to other tourist spots in the region.
Copyright Press Association 2011