Oman Upgrades Hotel Apartment Sector with Tech Partnerships and Global Integration

Oman Embraces Digital Innovation to Modernize Hotel Apartment Sector

Oman is taking major steps to digitize and upgrade its hotel apartment sector, making travel smoother for guests and management simpler for property owners. In a landmark move, Visit Oman, in collaboration with the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), is rolling out new programs to support small hotel apartment owners across Muscat and the rest of the country.

These initiatives aim to enhance property listings, introduce smart inventory tools, and simplify the distribution of rooms on global platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia—ushering in a new era of connected, tech-driven hospitality.

OMRAN Acquires Strategic Stake in UK-Based UnderTheDoormat

One of the most significant moves in this digital transformation is OMRAN’s strategic acquisition in UnderTheDoormat Group, a UK-based leader in short-term rentals and property management tech. The RO 1.81 million (approx. USD 4.7 million) investment is aimed at enabling Oman’s hotel apartment owners to easily list their properties across more than 50 international platforms, without the common headache of double bookings or manual syncs.

“This partnership empowers small property owners with tools that were once only accessible to big hotels,” said a Visit Oman representative. “It’s about democratizing digital hospitality.”

UnderTheDoormat’s platform consolidates property management into one unified system, offering features like:

• Real-time availability synchronization across multiple platforms

• Double-booking prevention mechanisms

• Integrated payment gateways

• Centralized inventory control and analytics

Solving Long-standing Property Management Challenges

Traditionally, Omani property owners managing small hotel apartments faced challenges balancing availability across booking platforms. Manual updates often led to double bookings, guest dissatisfaction, and operational chaos.

The technology from UnderTheDoormat addresses this by enabling real-time updates, automated booking management, and seamless integration with leading online travel agencies. This not only benefits property managers but ensures a smoother, more reliable experience for guests.

Oman’s Growing Network of Digital Travel Platforms

The modernization push doesn’t stop there. Visit Oman has also partnered with several Omani travel tech startups to create a fully integrated tourism ecosystem:

• My Ticket: For booking transport and travel experiences

• Yalla Pass: For event tickets and attraction access

• Masarra App: Book chalets, rest houses, and short stays

• My Events: Access local events and activities

• Joula Platform: Connect with certified Omani guides for curated local experiences

Together, these platforms streamline the entire travel experience—from booking rooms and activities to engaging with authentic local culture.

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's Digital Vision

Driving these changes is the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, which recently signed a contract to develop a comprehensive digital platform for Omani tourist guides. This will allow certified guides to showcase services directly to travelers, increasing visibility and bookings while promoting Oman’s rich cultural experiences.

The platform will also generate data-driven insights to help shape future marketing and tourism strategies.

Traveler Tips: Booking Smarter in Oman

If you're planning a trip to Oman, here are a few tips to take advantage of the latest tech enhancements:

1. Use Trusted Booking Platforms: Properties listed via Oman’s new integrations on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia offer secure and reliable options.

2. Avoid Double Booking: With the unified booking system now in place, double booking is largely a thing of the past.

3. Download Local Apps: Apps like My Ticket, Masarra, and Joula help plan your itinerary and offer curated local experiences.

4. Explore Local Experiences: Go beyond hotels—book local guides and events for an authentic Omani journey.

Conclusion: Merging Heritage with High-Tech Hospitality

Oman is proving that technology and tradition can go hand-in-hand. Through investments in global tech companies and homegrown platforms, the country is reimagining how hotel apartments operate, how tourists book stays, and how local culture is experienced.

Whether you're a digital nomad, a leisure traveler, or an investor, Oman’s smart hospitality landscape offers the perfect mix of seamless service, cultural richness, and digital convenience—making it one of the Middle East’s most exciting emerging travel destinations.