Bank Muscat, Centara join hands to promote tourism development

The agreement facilitates convenient and secure PoS card payment across the various outlets at the hotel

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision to promote Oman as a tourist destination, signed an agreement with Centara Muscat Hotel Oman, the upscale new 4-star entrant in the buoyant hospitality sector.

The agreement facilitates convenient and secure PoS card payment across the various outlets at the hotel.

Amjad Al Lawati, AGM – Cards & eBanking, said: “Bank Muscat is delighted to join hands with Centara Muscat Hotel Oman to provide a value-added service for the hospitality sector in Oman. The bank is making all efforts to support partners to adopt secure electronic payments as a business model. The initiative comes in line with the government efforts in making e-payment the preferred mode of payment and motivating a change in consumer behaviour that makes ‘payment by cards’ both a habit and preference in view of convenience and security.”

Anthony Wright, general manager of Centara Oman, thanked Bank Muscat for facilitating the cutting edge electronic payment facility for customers of Centara Muscat Hotel Oman.

“We are proud to sign this agreement with Bank Muscat to provide secure and convenient electronic payment service to customers, which fits comfortably with our approach in providing the latest technology in hospitality.”

In line with the growing trend towards electronic payment, the card acquiring service at Centara Muscat Hotel Oman comes as part of the bank’s commitment to add value to products and services. The facility allows customers to use their debit / credit cards issued by any bank across the world for payment on Bank Muscat GPRS PoS machines.

Amjad Al Lawati added: “Reflecting our commitment to providing the ‘best in class’ service, Bank Muscat continues to invest in cutting edge IT infrastructure, latest Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and competent human resources available in the payments industry. It is this ‘dedication’ and ‘commitment to service’ that has made Bank Muscat the preferred electronic payment service provider to the nation.”

The bank’s ability and flexibility to adapt, innovate and provide customised payment solutions is unique, changing the customer payment behaviour from ‘cash to card’. Bank Muscat commenced card acquiring operations in 2002 and since then has crossed many milestones to become the largest acquirer and issuer of cards in Oman.