Oman after the cyclone: An update

MUSCAT – Oman is continuing to clean up after Cyclone Gonu hit the country’s central coastline and moved north.

Muscat, where the bulk of Oman’s tourism is centred, took the full force of the storm but remarkably, most hotels and resorts remained operational, with most services now fully restored.

Oman Tourism has provided the following update on the efforts to restore services for tourists

Chedi, Muscat

The Chedi had to be evacuated on June 6 as a mudslide from the wadi coming from the mountains flooded the entire ground floor of the hotel. No structural damage was caused and the gardens and pools survived the cyclone unscathed.

The hotel is now in the process of cleaning up. Water supplies are still cut off in the area and there is currently no power. The resort expects to be closed for between four to six weeks.

Crowne Plaza, Muscat

The Crowne Plaza did not suffer any structural damage and remained open throughout the storm. The property is fully operational and is ready to welcome guests.

Grand Hyatt, Muscat

The Grand Hyatt remained open throughout the storm and there has been virtually no damage to the hotel’s infrastructure. The hotel is fully operational and is welcoming guests.

InterContinental, Muscat

The InterContinental remained open throughout the storm and there has been no structural damage to the hotel. All facilities are operational with the exception of the lap pool that will open on the June 15 and the Trader Vic’s restaurant that will re-open on June 17.

Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat

The Radisson SAS was operational during the storm and there has been no structural damage to the property. All facilities are fully operational.

Shangri-la’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat

Shangri-la’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa did not suffer structural damage to any of the three hotels apart from the beach areas and the marina which are repairable. The main beach has been cleaned up.

The disruptions to the supply of electricity during the storm affected operations, however essential services were made available aided by the hotels’ generator. The hotels’ external power supply has been reconnected.

The water supply was not affected as the resort has its own desalination plant. All facilities and services are now fully restored, apart from the marina.

All other hotels and resorts in the affected areas remain operational.

Seeb International Airport, Muscat

The main gateway to the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat’s Seeb International Airport. is again fully operational. Both Oman Air and Gulf Air are operating normal services, as are the many regional and international carriers serving the country.

Tourism infrastructure in Muscat and the surrounding areas:

Cyclone Gonu left behind a significant amount of destruction of which some has affected the tourism infrastructure in Muscat and the surrounding areas.

The souq in Muttrah is open, however it is still waterlogged in a few areas. Qurum beach is accessible however the flooding has washed awaythe road between the Crowne Plaza and InterContinental.

The Qurum shopping area has been badly damaged and will be closed for sometime. The Grand Mosque is closed for visitors for the time being.

The main highway from Seeb Airport to Ruwi is open but there are some delays in the Qurum area where part of the road is damaged. The road to Sur via Wahiba Sands is open and generally serviceable.

Many of the wadis are flooded so not accessible for sightseeing.

Sightseeing tours are operating, however in some cases the itineraries are being amended to avoid damaged areas. The dolphin watching and diving tours have been resumed.