Chiefs at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, the luxurious three hotel resort village and signature spa in the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat, are gearing up for the opening of the much anticipated retail souk which is due to launch at the end of the year.
The 50 store traditional shopping and crafts centre will be a unique selling point and will mean visitors have everything they could possibly need in one location, according to Shamini Murugan, director of communications at Barr Al Jissah.
“We have a loyal clientele at this resort and are proud of the fact that 20 per cent of our guests are repeat visitors. They love the facilities and now with opening of the souk, we can offer them the one thing that was perhaps missing – somewhere to shop or just have a browse around looking at the wonderful local products.”
Currently, the majority of guests come from the UK, followed by Europe – notably Germany, Switzerland and France – but the resort is also popular with expatriates from GCC countries and has an increasing Arab clientele.
Barr Al Jissah is a prime example of the country’s passionate defense of its history and tradition, and the new souk, plus the existing on site Heritage Village, pay homage to all that is best about the Oman.
Work is still underway to repair damage done to the resort’s marina and parts of the beach, after they were savaged by Cyclone Gonu in 2007. However, Muragan says, 2009 will see a big push by the chain to restore everything to its former glory as quickly as possible.
by Emma Procter