NEW MILLENNIUM RENOVATION TO TRANSFORM AL BUSTAN PALACE INTER-CONTINENTAL HOTEL

Staff stay on for intensive training designed to create new service standards while Oman's landmark property undergoes four-month rejuvenation

The Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel, Muscat, one of the Middle East's most celebrated hotels, is to undergo a major renovation which will bring a new millennium transformation for the Sultanate of Oman's unique resort property.

Reinforcing the hotel's appeal to increasingly demanding leisure travellers from around the Arab world, and key overseas markets, including Western Europe, the four-month renovation project will rejuvenate the 198 guest rooms, 44 suites and 8 royal suites, restaurants, and public areas, business centre, while a new spa facility will also be unveiled.

Bass Hotels & Resorts, which manages the landmark property, along with 110 other hotels and resorts in the Middle East and Africa, will also be carrying out intensive re-training of staff in line with its commitment to create new hospitality standards in all its properties.

Most of the staff will proceed on a long leave, to return at the beginning of September for extensive training, while it is closed for business between June 1 and September 30 to allow the renovation project to be completed.

Owned by the Government of The Sultanate of Oman, and regarded as one of the world's most spectacular hotels, the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental opened in October 1985 when it hosted the GCC Conference, attended by the leaders of the six Arabian Gulf states.

"The renovation programme underlines the government's commitment towards maintaining the hotel's unique image and reputation, and towards ensuring that it matches the expectations of leisure and business travellers in the 21st century," said Issa Al Hajri, general manager of the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental Hotel, and regional vice-president, operations, Bass Hotels & Resorts, Oman.

"While the hotel will be closed for four months, it will certainly not stand idle, as the training programme we will be carrying out for staff has been designed to establish new and innovative service levels in all departments of the hotel."

Visitors from around the world are enticed by the sheer splendour of the Al Bustan Palace Inter-Continental, and its stunning location, within a secluded bay, on Oman's Indian Ocean coastline on the southern outskirts of Muscat.

Topped off by an impressive atrium with graceful Islamic arches, the hotel nestles in a tropical garden oasis, fringed by an unspoilt stretch of golden beach, with the rugged Hajar mountains providing a striking backdrop.

The hotel has received many awards and honours over the last 16 years for its high standards of service, hospitality and excellent facilities, including awards for “Middle East’s Leading Hotel” this year and for 2000, following a travel agents’ internet poll conducted by the prestigious World Travel Awards to acknowledge and celebrate great achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry.