The Atana Musandam Resort, developed by the Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (Omran), has won the ‘Hospitality Project of the Year’ award at a recent ceremony, which was held at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City earlier this month.  The resort competed against some of the region’s top leisure destinations such as DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha Old Town, Emirates Pearl, Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, and Kempinski Marsa Malaz to take out the prestigious prize.
The Atana Musandam Resort was awarded for its best practice credentials, safety initiatives, use of innovative construction techniques and technology in the hospitality sector within both Oman and the region.
Commenting on the win, Omran Acting CEO Eng. Ali Al Rasbi noted, “The GCC a region known for its luxury hospitality offerings, so to be recognized as an award-winner is very promising, especially as Atana is the first exclusively Omani branded hotel chain. By implementing the highest quality hospitality standards at Atana Musandam, Oman’s flagship hotel, we have elevated the benchmark for hospitality across the Sultanate.  At Omran, we are working hard to build tourism infrastructure that helps to put Oman on the map as a premier tourist destination, as such Atana Musandam is a real success story for Oman and a wonderful destination for visitors both from at home and abroad.”
“The award is also significant because it recognizes and showcases the quality of developers, contractors and sub-contractors we have in Oman.  At Omran we are committed to cultivated local talent and supporting SMEs through our policy of Local Development Investment (LDI).  In the case of Atana Musandam, the developer, contractor and subcontractor were all Omani companies.  This win is not only a proud moment for the resort, but for Oman as a nation.”
The award was collected by representatives of Bunyan, an Omran subsidiary responsible for developing and executing tourism projects throughout the Sultanate.  Speaking on the award win, Eng. Nasser Maqbali, CEO of Bunyan commented, “It is deeply pleasing to see yet another honour conferred upon the Atana Musandam Resort.  The resort has become a leading example of design and development in the Sultanate, reflecting best practices in construction and sustainability.  The hotel was completed on schedule within 26 months, which is not a small feat considering the remote location of the Musandam Peninsula.  The construction team also achieved 3 million man hours without LTI (Lost Time Injury), highlighting the considerable attention given to safe and sensible work practices.  Atana Musandam is also only the second development in the country to be awarded with the LEED certification, placing it the category of leading sustainable developments not only in Oman but also within the region.   This award goes beyond the walls of Atana Musandam, also reflecting both Bunyan’s and Omran’s commitment to the highest quality construction within the tourism sector.”
Pascal Eppink, Managing Director of Omran subsidiary Dhiaffa, responsible for operating Atana hotels, commented, “Atana Musandam is a real success story for Oman and a wonderful destination for visitors both from at home and abroad. By implementing the highest quality hospitality standards at Atana Musandam, we ensure the maximum operational efficiency of the resort and progress in the sector for years to come. The hotel has received a number of accolades since opening in 2014 and we continually strive to improve on our successes in attaining maximum operational efficiency. The resort has really thrived during 2015 with a growing visitor base from Oman, the UAE and Europe.  It is internationally recognised as a desirable tourist destination offering a uniquely family-friendly Omani guest experience. “
Located on the stunning Musandam peninsula, the Atana resort draws on elements of traditional and contemporary Omani culture and identity, and was constructed in harmony with the surrounding environs with environmental sustainability as a key design consideration.  The ‘Hospitality Project of the Year’ award recognition adds to the growing number of awards and accolades received by the resort since its soft opening in 2014.  Earlier this year the resort was also presented with the LEED certification for green building, becoming only the second development in Oman to receive this prestigious international award.
The resort has been gaining the attention of local and foreign guests since its soft opening, and has since become a desirable tourist destination for those who visit the Musandam peninsula.  The four star resort is strategically located close to the airport and the port of Khasab, and offers a uniquely Omani guest experience with family friendly room rates. Atana Musandam offers 110 rooms, each promising stunning views across the harbor and its dramatic mountain backdrop.  Al Mawra, the hotel’s signature restaurant offers an appetizing, all-day dining experience, where the specialty is modernised traditional cuisine, in addition to a comprehensive international menu.
Built in the shadow of the ancient Khasab Castle, Atana Musandam makes for the ideal place to relax with family and use as a base to explore all that the breath-taking Musandam peninsula has to offer, be it watching dolphins, snorkelling the azure waters or exploring the towering fjords.  The destination provides tourists and travellers with a pure Omani experience that combines aspects of Oman’s rich heritage and the extraordinary tourism elements of the Musandam peninsular.