The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has entered an agreement with Oman’s Ministry of Tourism to acquire the full management of Al Bustan Palace in Muscat.

Starting July 1, the landmark property, which is set against a backdrop of mountains and overlooks the Gulf of Oman, will be rebranded under the Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

“The Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The Ritz-Carlton and we have waited a long time to find the perfect opportunity to add to our collection,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer.

“It is an honour to be selected to manage such an iconic hotel as Al Bustan Palace and we look forward to retaining its premier position in the regional and international marketplace.”

To ensure the smooth transition of operations and level of service to the guests, “all the current employees will be retained by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management,” added Humler.

“The Ritz-Carlton is also strongly committed to all the Omani ladies and gentlemen at the hotel and we welcome the existing Al Bustan Palace team to the Ritz-Carlton family. I know that we shall do our utmost to make them feel comfortable within our corporate culture,” he said.

Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Oman’s Minister of Tourism, said: “Our agreement with one of the biggest and most prestigious hotel management company in the world reflects our total commitment to preserve the position of Al Bustan Palace as one of the most esteemed and luxurious hotels in the region.”

“The new management aims at introducing the concept of luxury and hospitality philosophy in our present time while maintaining the prestigious stature of the hotel,” he added.

Noted architecturally for its 38-mere high domed atrium lobby, Al Bustan Palace has recently undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment to both the interior and exterior.

In addition to the 250 spacious rooms and suites, the hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities for up to 720 guests, 200 acres of landscaped gardens and the longest beach in the country.

The hotel also features five swimming pools, a spa, a water sports centre, a tennis village with floodlit courts and seven restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines. – TradeArabia News Service