Jagdeep Thakral

dusitD2 is expecting more guests to begin discovering the wonders of Oman and is perfectly situated to gain a healthy share of the attention.

What makes dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar special when it comes to guest experience?

dusitD2 Jabal Akhdar is designed to let guests explore the resort’s vast activities and offerings, as well as to allow guests to reconnect with nature—its bounty and beauty. When they come to dusit and stand in the lobby, they can take in the vastness of the mountains, the resort blending into the terrain, and all the local topography, with fresh, clean air and the feeling of excitement that there’s so much to explore based on their preferences, either as family, couple, or individuals. We are an 8,000sqm resort with an adventure park in the middle of the resort, a heated pool, a kids’ club, a zip line, and private chalets. Guests can go for a hike in the mountains, take a ride using our resort’s mountain bikes, or just sit back at the View Restaurant and enjoy fantastic Lebanese food with stunning views of the mountains. We give guests the freedom to do whatever they want to do. We don’t dictate their experience; we empower them to create it.

dusit is a large chain headquartered in Thailand, with over 50 hotels in 16 countries. What is the importance of Oman to its global portfolio?

While dusit boasts a substantial presence across 16 countries with over 200 hotels, Oman holds a uniquely strategic position within our global portfolio. Entering 2021 with our debut property, the dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, marked a significant step, and we are committed to further expanding our footprint here.
Why is Oman so crucial? It aligns perfectly with our vision for strategic growth. The Sultanate’s government actively prioritizes tourism development, aiming to make it a cornerstone of the economy by 2040. This creates fertile ground for hospitality industry leaders like dusit to flourish.

What are the emerging trends in Oman’s tourism sector?

The government is now placing a strong emphasis on tourism through various positive initiatives. This is why I anticipate rapid growth in the coming years. The government has effectively developed the Salalah region and has now redirected its focus to Jebel Akhdar. Oman stands out as an exceptionally unique country, distinct from other countries in the region, where visitors predominantly spend their time in malls and shopping. Oman provides a plethora of natural wonders and exploration-worthy destinations, featuring sights that many have yet to experience.

What is dusit D2 Jabal Akhdar’s outlook for 2024?

We want to grow 50% compared to 2023. We made great achievements in 2023, and during 2024 we expect to become a major player. There will be significantly more connectivity into Oman, and we expect the numerous government initiatives in tourism to bear fruit. We will focus predominantly on inbound visitors from Russia, East European countries, the GCC and the wider Middle East region, and India. We are working closely with the Ministry of Tourism in various countries, participating in fairs and roadshows. We have a great product, and we are continuously adding more facilities to become even more family friendly. We are happy with the support from the government and anticipate more initiatives on promoting Jabal Akhdar moving forward. All in all, everything is coming together, and we see Jabal Akhdar becoming much busier in the coming years.

Following Oman’s sponsorship of ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel event, do you expect inbound tourism to grow significantly?

While Oman currently faces a challenge of limited global awareness, particularly regarding hidden treasures like Jebel Akhdar, the outlook is positive. Prior to my arrival in Oman, I, too, was unfamiliar with the enchanting Jebel Akhdar. Throughout 2023, our dedicated efforts took us to various cities in India to promote the region and our hotel, capitalizing on the numerous direct flights to the Sultanate. Surprisingly, only a few travelers were aware that Oman boasts a hill station like Jebel Akhdar, offering delightful cool weather throughout the summer.