The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is continuing a strict inspection campaign across hotels and hospitality sector to ensure adherence to precautionary measures applicable in the sultanate. The ministry found The Chedi Muscat failing to comply with the regulations and announced its closure ‘for an approved time period’.

The ministry said, ‘(The closure) will be in addition to applying the penalties, as a result of non-compliance of the preventive measures.’

The ministry said that this procedure came within the framework of a follow-up on tourism and hotel facilities and travel and tourism offices in coordination with the relevant government agencies to ensure the implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Committee in charge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Thomas Guss, general manager, The Chedi Muscat, said, “The safety, health of our guests and employees is our priority, and The Chedi Muscat will spare no expense and effort to ensure that they are well looked after and cared for during this challenging period.” 

He added that the hotel’s management is working closely with all respective authorities to ensure that all protocols are implemented. “As such, the hotel will remain closed to guests until June 15, as directed by the ministry.” The ministry called on all hotel establishments and travel and tourism offices to fully comply with the decisions issued by the Supreme Committee.