Muscat – The Governorate of Dhofar is getting ready for an influx of visitors during the Eid al Adha holidays, with some hotels expecting 100 per cent occupancy.

Hotels are geared up to receive tourists during the khareef season, which is characterised by tropical weather and moderate temperatures, making it an ideal destination for visitors and tourists from inside and outside Oman.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, an official of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, “Forty-one hotels with 4,566 hotel rooms are ready to receive tourists during this tourist season. Three more hotels are lined up to open in Dhofar during the season.”

The three are Plaza Hotel in the Al Saada area, Tulip Inn Majan Hotel, and Salalah International Hotel in the Al Wadi area.

“We expect to see a huge influx of tourists to Dhofar this year,” said Salim al Amiri, owner of Roshaan Hotel in Mirbat.

He added that there are indications of an early khareef this year. “With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, there are expectations of an increase in the number of tourists from inside and outside the sultanate. Gulf and Omani tourists prefer to visit places such as Wadi Darbat, which is one of the most famous and beautiful valleys in Dhofar. Al Mughsail Beach is also a very popular destination.”

He believes hotel occupancy will reach 100 per cent this year. “I hope the concerned authorities establish recreational parks in Dhofar to attract children and more families.”

Imad Salim, operations manager at Raysut Salalah Hotel, said, “We have prepared well to receive guests. We expect an occupancy rate of more than 90 per cent.”

His expectation of an exceptional season is based on all concerned parties being well prepared, especially after removal of all COVID-19 restrictions.

According to Salim, airlines and tourism companies are offering attractive packages that will promote the season and “attract many more tourists from different countries, especially people from the Gulf, who come to enjoy the monsoons”.

Amri said that Dhofar is becoming a year-round tourist destination. The governorate sees a large number of European tourists from September to May, “who love to dive and enjoy watching coral reefs, dolphins and hiking”.

Up Town to stimulate tourism

An official of Dhofar Municipality said that it is establishing Up Town, a recreational area in the Itin plain in Salalah that will include various tourist and recreation services.

“The under-construction project aims to create an outlet for families to spend time in a pleasant atmosphere and stimulate tourism in Dhofar. The project will provide 60 job opportunities for jobseekers and owners of small and medium enterprises,” the official said.

Dhofar Municipality urged jobseekers to register via [email protected]

The last date for submission of applications is July 10.