MUSCAT: A heartwarming sight unfolded as guests arrived at the entrance of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, where they were greeted by a resilient and spirited Omani individual with a physical disability. His radiant smile reflected the sheer happiness of being employed and trained at this renowned mountain resort.
Allow me to introduce Mohammed Al Oumri, one of the five newly-appointed trainees at the resort, who is part of the 'GIFTed' initiative. This noble endeavor was recently launched by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) as part of the #IAmTourism strategy.
In addition to Mohammed, the other four trainees include his brother Ahmed, Fathi Al Amri, Ahmed Al Dughari, and Ahmed Al Tubi.
This initiative has made a lasting impact on many hearts, and leading the way in empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive in the tourism sector is Jagdeep Thakral, the General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, Oman.
During an exclusive conversation with Times of Oman, Thakral shared his deep involvement in this mission, a cause that has remained dear to him throughout his twenty-year journey in the hospitality industry.
"My journey began in 2010 in Singapore when I joined the Enabling Employers Network (EEN) while working at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre (IHG Group). EEN, a collaborative effort between the Singapore government, corporations, and special schools, aimed to equip people with disabilities with skills for open employment. We provided training and employment opportunities to individuals with various disabilities, including Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, slow learning, and hearing and speech impairments," Thakral recounted.
"By the time I left Singapore, we had successfully employed 235 people with disabilities across multiple hotels and companies," he added.
Driven by his passion for creating employment and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Thakral was invited to deliver a speech on the subject at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2013.
His outstanding contribution was recognized with the UN ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in Bangkok in 2014.
"We advocated the model of training and hiring individuals with disabilities, encouraging other companies to do the same. In my previous positions in South Korea (2017), Bangkok (2018), and Jakarta (2019), I remained dedicated to this mission. Upon joining Oman earlier this year, I proposed a similar project and I am grateful to OMRAN for their wholehearted support," stated Thakral.
In collaboration with the Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, and with full support from OMRAN, we launched a project where we welcomed five individuals with disabilities to join our establishment starting from November 19. The program aims to provide them with training until April 19, equipping them for employment within our establishment or the growing hospitality industry in Oman," he explained.
"Throughout the six-month training, our commitment is to enhance their experience, offering essential knowledge and skills in a secure and comprehensive environment that fosters their potential, both professionally and socially," Thakral added.
"The selected individuals will receive training in kitchen stewarding, laundry, housekeeping, and concierge services."
He further stated, "The extraordinary journey of these five participants within the initiative demonstrates their strong desire to excel in the hospitality industry, leaving a lasting impression on both their leaders and the discerning guests of the resort. The progress they have made since the program's inception not only showcases their passion for learning but also highlights the transformative impact of the program in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve excellence."
Promote social integration with the programme
The 'GIFTed' program has a dual purpose: to increase awareness about the abilities of individuals with disabilities in the tourism industry and to promote social integration by emphasizing their important role in the community.
During the recent launch of the program at the resort, Hilal bin Masoud Al Jadidi, the Chief Human Capital Officer at OMRAN Group, expressed, "The 'GIFTed' initiative is a fundamental aspect of our #IAmTourism strategy, serving as a guide to empower local talent in this sector full of opportunities. We firmly believe in expanding professional prospects for individuals with disabilities and recognizing their skills and capabilities. Our goal is to use the results of this initiative as a blueprint for our assets and future projects."
Resort revenues go up in November
Significantly, dusitD2 Naseem Resort unveiled a special commemorative package to celebrate the 53rd Oman National Day.
Throughout the National Day holidays, the resort achieved full occupancy, delighting guests with traditional oud performances at Veranda Restaurant and a band led by a talented saxophonist at Sky View Restaurant.
"At our extravagant buffet at Veranda, guests relished the popular Shuwa dish alongside a variety of Omani and international cuisines, while Sky View showcased Lebanese cuisine.
The resort's revenue for November witnessed a remarkable increase of nearly 75 percent compared to the previous year. A majority of our guests indulged in thrilling adventures and partook in various recreational activities at our exceptional Adventure Park, the only one of its kind in the Sultanate," he further added.
"We have ongoing plans to enhance several facilities, including the lobby, guest rooms, and the Kids Club. Furthermore, we have set our sights on constructing an additional pool, a dedicated kids' play area, and a charming café in the upcoming year," Thakral disclosed.
Prior to assuming his current position in Oman, Thakral served as the General Manager of The Grand New Delhi, successfully elevating the hotel to the luxury segment by enhancing products and standardizing systems and processes. He commenced his tenure as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar in April of this year.
