Marriott International to manage 234-room resort at Salalah, Oman in early 2010

Scheduled to open in December 2009, the resort will be part of a mixed-used, beachfront development located approximately 75 kilometers from Salalah, Oman's southernmost city which is well-regarded for its picturesque mountains and sandy beaches and excellent diving.

Nearby attractions include the tomb of the Prophet Ayoub (better known a Job of the Old Testament) and the ruins of a palace thought to be that of the Queen of Sheba. The marshy khawrs dotting the coastline are sanctuaries for a broad variety of migrating birds, turning the region into a bird watchers paradise.

"We are thrilled that we will soon be represented in Oman. Oman has worked hard over the last several years to promote its tourism sector. We look forward to participating in their efforts to encourage tourism to the country and to ensuring visitors to Oman experience a welcoming environment,"

said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging for Marriott International.

"We are delighted that Marriott International has partnered with us to launch their first-ever property in the Sultanate of Oman. Holidaymakers will experience Marriott's world-class hospitality and signature grandeur at the prestigious Salalah Marriott Beach Resort," said Osama Mariam, Chief Executive Office of Dhofar Tourism Company SAOG.

Guests at the Salalah Beach Marriott Resort will enjoy beach or mountain views and a choice of staying in the resort's main building or in surrounding chalets offering studios and one- and two-bedroom configurations. Guest rooms will feature flat screen, high definition television, high speed internet access, Marriott's renowned bed and bath linens and amenities and in-room mini-bar and safe.

Dining and entertainment options will include a casual, all-day restaurant, a seafood outlet, an Arabic Café and an English Pub. The resort's welcoming open-space lobby will offer a lounge and a bar.

Recreational amenities will be highlighted by a spa and fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool with separate adult and kids activities (play ground area) and a dive center. Other amenities will encompass 24-hour room service, a business center and a retail shop.

For social events and conferences, the resort will have 6,348 square feet of space including a 3,551-square foot ballroom, 2,260 square feet of individual meeting rooms and a 538-square foot board room.

Marriott's upscale, full-service Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand inspires your best performance during travel, delivering an experience that helps you work and relax in your own way. The brand's nearly 500 hotels in 60 countries worldwide provide genuine care coupled with fresh, classic design, making it the leading global choice for travelers and meeting planners.