This summer, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is set to deliver its indigenous-inspired hospitality to Salalah and with that, have employed over 70 local Omanis to make up the pre-opening roster. As the resort’s launch date draws closer, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara continue to expand their team of professionals by adding a growing number of Omani nationals.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara have employed over 50% of the 140-person strong team from the local community and aim to keep this high percentage when they reach their full manning of 314 over the next few months. The resort will be employing Omanis not only to assist with hospitality roles such as housekeeping and concierge, but also to help with on site activities and tour program. To support the Omanis in their new roles, Anantara will be offering pre-opening training programs in their resorts across Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Rai to offer employees the opportunity to hone their skills and improve by training in their respective departments prior to the resort’s opening this summer.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Barwani, Founder and Chairman of MB Holding/Musstir, comments “The resort is making great progress towards its opening date during the Khareef season and we are pleased with the initial interest and support from the Dhofar community. We wanted to develop a resort that will help attract luxury travelers to Salalah and the progress shows that we are on track to achieve our goal.”
Omran’s Chief Operating Officer Eng. Ali Al Rasbi commented ” With our partner in construction, Carillon Alawi and with the support of the Royal Oman Police, local municipality & utility suppliers we are sure that this hotel will now open fully licensed for Khareef 2016 adding the first high end, luxury beach resort hotel to the Salalah & Dhofar region, adjoins the Al Baleed world heritage attraction.
The COO Added “With the recently announced growth in tourist arrivals to Oman, Omran and its partner Mohammed Barwani are sure that this beach hotel will drive further premium tourism into the region. The new world class Salalah airport is ready, the hotel will also be ready for the influx of Khareef visitors & then the winter sun tourists from Europe”
In line with Anantara’ s ongoing commitment to the local community in each of its destinations, the resort team’s goal is to provide long-term employment and development opportunities for the residents of Dhofar. Ahead of the opening this summer, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara will be sending eight new Omani employees to Thailand to learn the art of hospitality according to Anantara. From HR to Operations, Guests Services to Administration, the local employees will be provided with the necessary training and work experience needed to understand the Anantara culture and ethos. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is also working closely with the Omani Government as well as the Omani tourism college to recruit Omani citizens as part of its Omanisation efforts.
James Hewitson, General Manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, said “We are delighted with the level of interest to join the pre-opening team from the local labor force here in Salalah which has given us a great base to start with and shows the commitment of the people of Dhofar to support this iconic resort in order to deliver a new level of luxury to the destination. We are also working with several local businesses who will provide tours and excursions to the many wonderful sites and attractions that Salalah has to offer. The resort will provide employment and support to the business community by attracting guests to Salalah that will have the disposable income to really encourage growth in the leisure sectors”.
Conveniently located just 15km from the airport, the resort puts the guests in close proximity to UNESCO World Heritage park of Al Baleed and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara will comprise of 136 rooms and villas, offering on indulgent yet contemporary Middle Eastern ambience with five spa treatments rooms and Salalah’ s first Hammam inside the Anantara Spa. There will also be exquisite dining venues which will cater towards a variety of palettes, including Sakalan, an all-day restaurant showcasing world flavours; specialty South East Asian restaurant Mekong, featuring cuisine from countries bordering the Mekong River; and Almina, a relaxed Mediterranean beach bar and restaurant serving refreshments and barbeque delights.
