Muscat – The sector has launched a variety of promotional offers and marketing campaigns. The season is expected to draw a significant influx of visitors, both domestic and international.

Many hotels are offering competitive rates, hospitality packages, and customized tourism programs that introduce visitors to Dhofar’s rich cultural, natural, and heritage attractions. A notable increase in the employment of qualified Omani personnel is also being seen, reflecting the growing role of local talent in the hospitality industry.

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director of the Quality Control Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, told the Oman News Agency that preparations began with the annual coordination meeting between the Directorate and tourism establishments. The focus remains on enhancing service quality and facility readiness throughout the season.

Currently, Dhofar hosts 100 licensed tourist hotels offering more than 8,000 rooms. Hotel occupancy for 2024 stood at 90 percent, and it is expected to rise this year, driven by attractive offers from tourism companies and hospitality providers.

Al Ghassani added that the “Sikka” app, aimed at organizing the real estate rental market and protecting the rights of landlords and tenants, will be implemented for the second consecutive year under the supervision of the Dhofar Governor’s Office, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Dhofar Municipality. The app also allows property owners to market their offerings both inside and outside Oman.

To further highlight readiness of the governorate’s hotel facilities, it is pertinent to note that early preparations are underway Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, which features 40 hotel rooms, 96 villas (88 with private pools), and 136 residential units, as well as restaurants, a health club, and a kids’ club. The resort hosted 12,894 guests’ last season.

The Hawana Salalah, on the other hand, launched campaigns in GCC countries, concluding agreements with major travel firms and offering attractive promotions. Hawana welcomed 38,000 visitors during last year’s Khareef season. The development includes over 1,200 rooms across four hotels, plus a water park, marina, restaurants, and retail spaces.

Other hotels preparing for the season include Plaza Hotel and Resort with 166 rooms and suites (hosting over 26,000 guests last season); Bilad Punt Resort having 101 rooms (over 18,300 guests in 2024); and Al Badri Villas and Apartments with 150 apartments and 12 villas – it hosted 25,000 visitors’ last season.
It’s worth noting that the number of visitors to Dhofar Governorate during the 2024 season exceeded one million visitors and tourists.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced the opening of tourism projects to be added to existing projects as part of its preparations for the 2025 Dhofar Khareef season. These include the opening of the Dhofar Private Museum, a three-star hotel in Mirbat with a capacity of 84 rooms, and luxury hotel apartments in Salalah. In addition, the Ministry is opening a tourist information center in the Haffa Beach Market.