Apart from providing employment for Omani residents at the resort, the continued appeal of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa to the local guest, GCC and international leisure and business travellers sees the establishment be a key contributor to Oman’s tourism sector and a strong support to the country’s growing economy.
This was evident last week when the resort team monitored the amount of independent transportation used by guests in the course of one day. The results showed 18 airport taxis arriving at the resort, 43 partner-operated cars either dropping off or taking guests to Muscat International Airport and an additional 116 local taxis either collecting or returning guests to their respective hotel at the property. Furthermore, on the same day there were 60 local tour guides taking resort guests to popular tourist destinations such as Nizwa and on Muscat city tours.

Tourism is an increasingly important part of Oman’s economy. According to a recent report by the UN World Tourism Organisation (WTO), 2013 saw the country’s tourism revenue exceed the $1 billion mark for the first time last year. Such figures affirm the resort’s positive contribution towards the nation and its residents with its ability to generate local business opportunities for smaller travel companies, self-employed Omani drivers and tour guides.

Commenting on this, General Manager, Mark Kirk, said: “We are delighted that so many Omani residents are benefiting from the resort’s operations. Resorts such as Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa are a vital part of the country’s economy, helping to support many industries involved in tourism as well as other industries.” He also added that “In simple terms, every single tourist arrival to Oman has a direct impact on at least one Omani family.”