Muscat: Oman's first $35 million (Dh128.5 million) floating hotel — Veronica — has begun operating at the Duqm Port after a soft opening in December, and occupancy has been encouraging so far.
"We currently have 97 rooms occupied, which is nearly 50 per cent," said Alexander Irausek, interim general manager, during a press conference.
Veronica is owned and operated by DSME Oman LLC (Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Oman LLC).
"We are pleased to bring Veronica to Oman at a time when the Omani Government is investing heavily in Duqm's development," said Kwang Soo Lee, DSME Oman's general manager.
He hoped that the Veronica will serve as an ideal venue to accommodate the stake holders involved in Duqm's development.
Attracting tourists
"The floating hotel offers guests a home-away-from-home atmosphere and can accommodate both long staying business clients involved in Duqm projects as well as tourists visiting to see the tourist spots within the vicinity," he added.
"With 208 well-furnished rooms ranging from luxury, deluxe, standard to serviced residences; Veronica is well-equipped with modern and efficient infrastructure to accommodate and address the requirements of its guests at par with international standards," explained Jason Kim, DSME Oman's Business Unit Manager.
Purchased by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in 2010, the former transatlantic ocean liner underwent a refurbishment programme before its launch as a floating hotel.
Kwang Soo also said that the hotel was expected to operate for around three to five years in Duqm.
"After that if there are any buyers [for the hotel], that is an option or if there are other locations, the hotel could be relocated."
