Nabil Abdul Wahab al Zadjali, executive assistant manager, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carton Hotel, said the company has always offered development and training opportunities to its workforce. 'This trend was even enhanced by the management takeover of The Ritz-Carlton. The brand is part of Marriott International, a leading global hospitality company offering ongoing training opportunities to its employees across the world.

'Currently, our Omanisation percentage is around 50 per cent, and just under 50 per cent of our leadership positions are held by Omanis.' Some of the most prestigious guests and visitors of the sultanate stay at Al Bustan Palace, and this prestige drives some of the best hospitality employees, he said.

Stefan Radstrom, general manager, Grand Hyatt Muscat, said that the current Omanisation percentage at the organisation is around 50 per cent, and 33 per cent of the leadership team comprises nationals. 'With the current growth in the tourism sector in Oman, definitely an increase in the percentage of Omanis working in the industry will happen. Replacing expatriates with trained Omani personnel will have a positive impact on the country's tourism. Tourists who tend to visit the Oman, will certainly want to experience the country's culture in all means.

'This would include getting welcomed bytheamazing Omani hospitalitythe moment they arrive at the hotel, to getting served by them throughout their stay. Also, the large number of hotels opening in the coming few years in the country will also absolutely require a lot of Omani personnel.' The Ministry of Manpower's efforts to conduct several training programmes for nationals prior to taking a full time job has encouraged nationals to join the sector, said Hossam Kamal, general manager, Salalah Rotana Resort.

'It is becoming more socially acceptable to be employed in the hospitality industry. This is evident in Salalah Rotana Resort, with the growing number of Omani colleagues we have on the team occupying key positions. The interest in hospitality jobs can be attributed to the career development opportunities the industry provides.' Kamal added, 'We currently have 50 Omani colleagues who represent 15 per cent of our workforce in the resort and we are working hard to increase the number.'

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'Good interest in culinary field, but service is suffering'

According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total contribution of travel to Oman's GDP is estimated to reach 7.3 per cent in 2025 (up from 5.7 per cent of GDP in 2014).

Robert MacLean, principal, National Hospitality Institute (NHI), said, 'Thedemand for local employees is on therise,mainlydueto thenew properties opening in Oman who need or want to recruit local staff.

'In addition to this,most properties are well belowtheir required Omanisation levels andtheyare coming under pressurefrom theMinistry of Manpower. MacLean also believes it has become more socially acceptable among Omanis to work in the hospitality sector, but students are relcutant to takeupservice-typejobsin restaurants. 'Wehaveagoodinterest in culinaryfield, but service is suffering. Many hotelsare desperately seekingOmani waiters andwaitresses but theyarenoteasy to findnow.'