Muscat – Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) and Barceló Hotel Group, a leading Spanish hospitality management group, have signed a strategic agreement to augment investment and growth opportunities in Oman’s tourism and hospitality sectors as well as foster economic growth with the launch of hospitality projects in the country.

The agreement was signed at World Travel Market London held from November 6 to 8. 

The partnership will establish a Real Estate Development Fund aimed to invest in key tourism and hospitality projects across the country. This initiative aligns with Barceló’s vision to position the sultanate as a leading hospitality destination in the global space and enhance Omran’s objectives to drive foreign direct investment (FDI) in strategic development projects. 

Speaking on the partnership, Raúl González, CEO of Barceló Hotel Group, said, “We are immensely proud of the remarkable strides Barceló Hotel Group has made in Oman, and this strategic partnership with Omran Group reaffirms our commitment to the sultanate’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Together, we will drive FDI and growth opportunities, and position Oman as the leading hospitality destination for travellers worldwide.”

The Real Estate Development Fund will focus on key objectives and investment opportunities. Barceló Hotel Group will also manage and operate the fund’s assets to boost investment and growth opportunities in the 4- and 5-star hotel segments, and other development projects.

Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, stated, “Barceló Hotel Group stands out as the hospitality collaborator for this venture. Its remarkable footprint in Oman, particularly evident in the transformation of Mussanah into a sought-after tourism destination, is testament to its excellence. This strategic alliance underlines our dedication to consolidate Oman’s stature as a front-runner in the global tourism and hospitality realm, drawing visitors from all corners of the world, and subsequently elevating Oman’s international profile. We eagerly anticipate fortifying our partnership with Barceló Hotel Group, leveraging its seasoned expertise in leisure tourism markets and the robustness of its distribution networks in foreign markets.”

Barceló Hotel Group has played a pivotal role in developing Mussanah as a tourism destination. In 2021, Omran appointed it to manage and operate Barceló Mussanah Resort and develop Mussanah as a prominent international tourism destination. Since then, Barceló Hotel Group has signed several key agreements, including a long-term partnership with tour operators Nowa Itaka and Cedok to introduce direct flights from Poland and the Czech Republic to Muscat, positioning the sultanate as the ideal hospitality destination in European markets. 

The group has also partnered with Oman Sail to host the World Sailing Championships at its flagship beach resort in Mussanah, yielding exceptional results and driving revenue streams and client satisfaction levels in Oman.