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Phillipe Kronberg, Resort General Manager, Shangri-La Muscat
Anticipating guest preferences and the team’s profuse attention to detail resonates with guests long after they have checked out. For Shangri-La Muscat loyalty is earned through consistent excellence and memorable moments. And why not have such memorable moments for your wedding celebrations? Add to that bespoke wedding packages, resort buyout options and exciting ‘wow’ factors like an arrival from a helicopter or in one of the 30 classic cars available at the resort. Shangri-La Muscat also plans to host a ‘Grand Wedding Fair’ from 18-19 October with top 10 Indian wedding planners participating along with regional players.
TDM interviews Phillipe Kronberg, Resort General Manager, Shangri-La Muscat about seamlessly running a 640 keys resort, personalised luxury, hosting the perfect Indian wedding and more…
Travel Daily Media (TDM): It is a significant responsibility to oversee the daily operations of the resorts with 640 suites and rooms, spread across three distinctive hotels on 124 acres. Do tell us the unique selling points of each of these hotels.
Phillipe Kronberg (PK): Managing Shangri-La Muscat is like overseeing a treasure trove of experiences spread across 124 acres of paradise in a dual resort complex. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, with its two wings – Al Waha (The Oasis) and Al Bandar (The Town) – is a family-friendly haven, with 500-m long stretched beach, lush gardens, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a series of serene pools making it the favourite for families and business leisure travellers. With the size of the playground, you will never feel the resort is full, and everyone has its own cozy space for a retreat.
The Frankincense Garden allows guests to experience Oman’s prized export, luban in its natural form. Our turtle ranger program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about and participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles that nest on the resort’s beaches. There are water sports, Chi-The Spa, and world-class dining at 14 restaurants run by chefs from 11 nationalities.
Shangri-La Al Husn, the upper premium resort, is located on the cliffs facing the iconic Muscat arch. The adults-only sanctuary is designed to evoke tranquillity and sophistication, with a private beach, the sole Luban Spa, luxurious rooms with stunning views, and an impeccable level of personal service. The Luban Spa offers an unparalleled wellness experience, featuring treatments inspired by Omani traditions and using local ingredients like frankincense and rose. Our Dine by Design concept lets guests enjoy curated bespoke dining experiences in breathtaking locations at the property, from secluded beach dinners to clifftop sunset meals.
TDM: With hospitality being such a competitive market, it is hard to stay ahead. What are you doing as a brand to ensure loyalty from patrons?
PK: Standing out is the key. At Shangri-La Muscat, we have crafted a unique approach to guest loyalty that blends personalised luxury with authentic experiences. Shangri-La Circle program rewards our valued repeat guests, but our commitment extends far beyond points and perks. We believe that loyalty is earned through consistent excellence and memorable moments. Hence, our team has carefully created immersive experiences that showcase the best of our resort, and connect guests with local culture, sustainable actions and conservation efforts. Also, anticipating guest preferences and attention to detail resonates with guests long after they have checked out.
TDM: How has business been in the first seven months of 2024? What were your occupancies and RevPAR. What other ancillary services have you been providing to grow the hotel’s bottom lines?
PK: The first half of 2024 has been promising for us, we had a good business base, taking into consideration that we are the largest inventory in Oman with a total of 640 rooms and suites combined. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and our guests’ growing appreciation. Summer is quieter and demand surge from regional markets such as GCC and other parts of Europe mainly families or adventure-seekers.
Our wellness programs and innovative restaurant offerings have been contributing steadily. A robust relationship with our trade partners and the continued efforts of our teams across key markets, including India, have been significant. We have expanded our portfolio by including behind-the-scenes tours with our frankincense Sommelier, private Turtle Tour, customised cultural encounters, tailored event planning, among others.
TDM: There were some high-profile Indian weddings hosted at your property last year. Do you have more in the pipeline this year as well? What kind of mutually beneficial partnerships have your hotels cultivated with the travel trade partners and wedding planners to increase sales and grow revenue?
PK: Indian weddings were definitely a highlight last year and Shangri-La Muscat setting the benchmark high with cutting-edge wedding affairs. We do have some confirmed Indian weddings for 2025. In fact, we are well on our way to crafting a wedding fair to showcase the scale of our offerings that can make these lifetime celebrations more than just events. Our first bridal fair, since 2017, will take place this coming October 18 and 19. We will see the participation of top 10 Indian wedding planners, key regional and local event organisers as well.
We have built a strong partnership with top wedding planners and travel trade partners to ensure every detail is perfect. With exciting options like an arrival from a helicopter or in one of the 30 classic cars from the resort’s private collection, resort buyout options, bespoke wedding packages, the option of bringing one’s own cook or maharaj, taking care of dietary restrictions, and seamless travel arrangements enhance the experience and drive increased revenue. Our resort complex, spanning 124 acres, offers unparalleled flexibility for Indian weddings. We can accommodate intimate gatherings and easily host a party of 1000 too at the amphitheatre. Our diverse venues include the grand Barr Al Jissah Ballroom, which can host up to 700 guests, and the stunning beachfront is for those dreaming of a seaside ceremony. Our commitment to creating unforgettable celebrations has positioned us as a premier destination for Indian weddings in the Middle East, and we are excited to continue this growth in the coming year.
TDM: What are the trends in hospitality in Muscat? Which kind of new technologies and property management tools are becoming popular?
PK: Oman’s tourism industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections indicating a doubling of visitor numbers to 7 million by 2028. This surge is driving innovation across sectors. One significant trend is the emphasis on sustainable hospitality and responsible luxury. Adventure and experiential tourism are also taking off like private yacht rides, marine life encounters, out of the box expeditions. The increased focus on sustainability, by the tourism industry, has led to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and green building practices, reinforcing Muscat’s commitment to responsible tourism development.
TDM: How is Muscat developing as a destination for tourism? What new initiatives has the government taken to promote the same? Which destinations is Muscat competing with to attract tourists from India?
PK: There are projects that align with Oman Vision 2040, such as expanding the Muscat International Airport, a new e-gate system to speed up passport verification and developing cultural and leisure attractions to enhance the city’s appeal. Muscat has its own unique charm compared to other Middle Eastern countries that it competes with. Some of the competitor cities offer glitz and glamour, while Muscat counters with cultural experiences and pristine natural beauty. The capital of Oman also boasts an established infrastructure and more relaxed social norms. As a destination, I believe, Muscat is carving out its own niche that offers an authentic Middle Eastern experience coupled with modern comforts.
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