InterContinental Hotels Group increases presence in Oman with third Crowne Plaza property

The Sohar Industrial Port Company project launched in 2002, is a joint venture between the Omani Government and the Port of Rotterdam. Located 240 kilometres from the capital Muscat, the port and surrounding industrial and residential areas are set to become the economic backbone of Oman's diversification effort.

The new Crowne Plaza will make a significant contribution to InterContinental Hotels Group's regional expansion plans which will see almost 7000 rooms come online by 2010. While Crowne Plaza Sohar will become the third property under the brand in Oman, a total of six Crowne Plaza hotels are expected to open within the next 18 months across the Middle East region.

Planned to open at the end of 2007, the 126 room Crowne Plaza Sohar will be the first internationally branded hotel in the area. It will feature a diverse mix of food and beverage, leisure, commercial and service outlets, including a Mediterranean restaurant, a lobby-level patisserie, sports bar, poolside dining and a banquet hall catering for up to 400 guests.

Extensive leisure facilities will include a bowling alley and a health club with an outdoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and massage facilities, tennis courts and a fully equipped gym.

Speaking about the new development, Michel Augier, Acting Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa said:

"We are forecasting significant growth of the Crowne Plaza brand across the Middle East and the latest property to be developed in Oman is testament to the commitment we have made to the region. Oman is a key destination for IHG and this development is part of our global expansion objective, which is to grow by 50-60,000 rooms by 2008."

Tony Zamora, Director of Operations, InterContinental Hotels Group, Oman said, "With the addition of Crowne Plaza Sohar we will see the Group's portfolio rise to 1300 rooms in the Sultanate, this will allow us to offer a complementary choice of hotels in Oman, to cater for a diverse mix of business and leisure travellers. While established global corporations and intra-regional travel remain key to the commercial success of the hotel, the Sohar property will also act as a vital facility and employer for the local community, further testament to the group's commitment towards Omanisation"

Added Zamora, "The Sohar development is indicative of the high levels of industrial enterprise currently occurring in the country and we are proud to play a significant role in its success as a world-class leisure and business destination."

In addition to the hotel, the Sohar industrial area will include a refinery, steel and aluminum production facility and a wide range of petrochemical projects. Its proximity to the booming economies of the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent make the port of Sohar the ideal transport and logistics hub.

Traditionally a fishing town, Sohar was an ancient capital of Oman where legend has it Sindbad the Sailor was born. The town is close to ancient copper mines and Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain), the tallest mountain in Oman.

While Crowne Plaza Sohar will be operated by InterContinental Hotels Group, the property is owned by Samco Trading & Contracting.

Salim Macki of SAMCO Trading & Contracting said: "The development of an established branded hotel such as Crowne Plaza is vital to meet the business needs of the port of Sohar and local business community. The high standards that are inherent of the Crowne Plaza brand and its tailor-made facilities will prove integral to business travellers visiting the area and provide a welcome addition to the leisure activities within the local community."