TUI Group is to build five hotels in Oman as part of a long-term agreement to develop tourism in the country.
The operator has signed a deal with Sultanate of Oman’s Tourism Development Company OMRAN Group, which aims to position Oman as a leading sun and beach destination.
The first stage of the agreement will see the construction and operation of a cluster of five new hotels in the Dhofar Governorate region, one each under The Mora, Robinson, TUI Blue, RIU Hotels & Resorts and JAZ Hotel Group brands.
CEO Holiday Experiences and Chief Strategy Officer Peter Krueger said the first property to open will be the RIU hotel, in 2027-28, adding the other four will follow very closely afterwards.
TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel described Oman as a ‘wonderful, beautiful country’ with ‘great landscapes and beautiful beaches’. He said TUI and OMRAN also have plans to open hotels in other parts of Oman.
Sebastian added: “There are lots of wonderful opportunities but let’s do this first.”
He said the deal includes a strategic partnership with Oman Air and said: “We will start together to develop the flight offering.”
Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salem Mohammed Al Mahruqi said: “In strategic collaboration with OMRAN Group and TUI, we are committed to developing world-class tourism destinations and experiences that not only attract a greater number of visitors, but also create high-quality employment opportunities and draw impactful, value-driven investments.”
As part of the partnership, OMRAN Group and TUI will each hold 45% in a joint venture, with the other 10% held by a private investor.
OMRAN Group will become a 1.4% strategic shareholder in TUI Group.
Pictured, from left: Peter Krueger, Sebastian Ebel, OMRAN Group Chairman and Undersecretary for Tourism Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, and OMRAN Group CEO Hashil Al Mahrouqi.
