InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has joined hands with Samco Hotels & Resorts to open Crowne Plaza Sohar, the company's third Crowne Plaza property in Oman, as part of their expansion plans.

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 create job opportunities in the country, said a top IHG official.

“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 1 million tourists every year and has positioned itself as the ideal tourist destination,' said John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG MEA.

'Business tourism as well has been gradually building momentum especially in the MICE sector which accounts for more than 60 per cent of business travel in the Sultanate,” he remarked.

'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.

'We are happy to be able to contribute to the governments plan,' Bamsey added.

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 and is conveniently located in close distance from the Muscat and Dubai International Airports.

“Sohar is an important part of the history of Oman and a popular tourist destination known 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,” Bamsey added.-TradeArabia News Service