IHG opens third Crowne Plaza property in Oman

The opening marks IHG's third Crowne Plaza property in Oman, as they continue to expand in the Sultanate.

"The Government of Oman has done a remarkable job promoting tourism in the region and internationally. Looking back at recent years, Oman has consistently hosted over 1m tourists every year and has positioned itself as the ideal tourist destination. Business tourism as well has been gradually building momentum especially in the MICE sector which accounts for more then 60% of business travel in the Sultanate,"

said John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG MEA.

"Another contributing factor to Oman's tourism has been an increase in the number of flights' coming into the country and the fact that Oman is visitor friendly with over 60 countries able to receive a visa on arrival. Oman is on track with its Vision 2020 plan to bring economic diversification and tourism will play a key role in not only attracting visitors but also an opportunity to create employment in the country. We are happy to be able to contribute to the governments plan"

Crowne Plaza Sohar consists of 126 rooms, all with a private balcony, of which 44 deluxe bedrooms are designed for long stay guests with a walk-in wardrobe. The hotel also includes 6 executive suites, which home a living and dining room, kitchenette and a large private terrace.

Crowne Plaza Sohar offers a variety of dining options such as 'The Restaurant', an all day dining outlet that features an open air terrace, 'The Mediterranean', a fine dining restaurant serving cuisine from Southern Europe, Levant and Northern Africa and 'The Patisserie' offering pastries, fresh beverages and light snacks. The hotel provides other entertaintainment and leisure facilities such as a pool deck, resident bar and a sports bar which includes a 4 lane bowling alley along and other sports options.

For discerning business travellers, Crowne Plaza Sohar offers a full service business centre with hi speed, wireless internet, 2 exclusive meeting rooms which lead to a private terrace and a ballroom that hosts up to 400 guests.

The hotel is located within a short distance of Sohar's Industrial centre and the port of Sohar. The hotel is conveniently located in close distance from the Muscat and Dubai International Airports.

Bamsey added, "Sohar is an important part of the history of Oman and a popular tourist destination in the country for its beaches and archaeological features. We are proud to bring the first International hotel brand to the city as Sohar continues to develop not only as a tourist hub but a city, which also attracts business travellers."

Crowne Plaza Sohar will be IHG's sixth property within Oman which, as of 30th September 2008, comprises of InterContinental Muscat, Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Crowne Plaza Salalah Resort and Holiday Inn Muscat Al Madinah. IHG also recently signed the Crowne Plaza Duqum Resort, which is scheduled to open in 2011.