Oman among world's top emerging destinations in five years says Radisson SAS GM

Pike says with its natural resources, state-of-the-art conference facilities as well as efficient air and road networks, awareness of Oman as a high-end tourism brand is growing in Europe and throughout the GCC.

"More inbound tour operators are setting up here, regional airlines are looking at increasing flights and international hotel chains are also opening new properties. These are clearly positive signs for Oman's tourism industry," he said.

"Growth will not just be in Muscat but the entire country and I expect the Sultanate to be a year-round tourist destination with visa-on-arrival facilities now available to travellers in over 60 countries.

"Oman is only seven hours flying time away from most European cities, which makes it an ideal place for both holiday-makers and corporate guests."

Pike says in 2005, hoteliers in particular enjoyed a strong profitable year with high occupancy rates and he expects the trend to continue.

"Our occupancy increased about 17% in 2005 and our house-rates have also gone up by about 30%, "added Pike.

"Demand has grown from all ends of the market. We saw an increase in the number of GCC business travellers and a rise in European leisure guests. MICE business has also grown strongly and we averaged 95% occupancy in 2005."

Radisson SAS, Muscat has 156 rooms with five banqueting and meeting facilities and Pike says there are plans for further expansion.

"Rezidor SAS is already set for major growth in the Middle East and any developments here will be a natural next step,"

added Pike.

The company has recently opened two new hotels in the region - Radisson SAS Resort, El Qusier, Egypt and Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City - and plans are underway for another eight by the end of 2008.