InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the appointment of Martin van Kan as the new director of operations in Oman and general manager for the iconic Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

Martin van Kan is a graduate of the Hotel and Tourism School, Les Roches, in Switzerland. He officially assumed his new position in July 2009 and brings with him many years of experience in the hospitality industry, said a IHG press release.

He held several managerial positions throughout his career across Asia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.

Joining IHG in 1984, van Kan was awarded the ‘General Manager of the Year’ title in 2004. Some of his previous positions include: area general manager for IHG in Shenzhen, China; general manager for InterContinental Doha in Qatar; and resident manager for InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut, Lebanon.

He returns to Oman after an absence of twenty years, when he was the front office manager for the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat between 1989 and 1991, the release added.

As general manager for the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat in 2009, van Kan will play a vital role in maintaining the property’s position as a symbol of elegance and luxury accommodation for the discerning business and leisure travellers.

Having recently concluded a multimillion dollar lobby renovation the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat features 250 rooms and suites, boasts exceptional facilities and continues to be one of the region’s most revered establishments, the release said.

"I am very pleased to be returning to Oman and to the Al Bustan Palace in particular – further to its renovation there has been an enhancement to the majestic feel of the hotel, which I am sure will please all visitors," said an elated Martin.

"The hotel has a very rich history, and it gives me tremendous pride to have been a part of it in the past and in the time to come with a very motivated and enthusiast team by my side.  Having worked within IHG for over 25 years I am looking forward to this new and exciting challenge.”

"My return has been extremely welcoming. Oman is a very unique country and the people’s warmth and hospitality is unprecedented – I simply had to come back. I’ve been rediscovering the country’s heritage and astounding natural beauty regularly on my Harley Davidson – it is a really thrilling ride," he commented.

"This is all part of my adventurous spirit which I hope will convey the passion I have for Oman and the Al Bustan,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service