Tourism industry targeting 4 per cent Omanisation by next year: H E Maitha

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman is aiming to increase the percentage of national workforce in the tourism industry by next year said H E Maitha al Mahrouqi Undersecretary in the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

She was speaking on the sidelines of a panel discussion on Omanisation held at the Al Bustan Palace a Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Monday. 'We are currently running at three per cent and that is less as compared to the number of upcoming projects in the country. We plan to increase the number of local workforce to four per cent and we need to increase the number of locals not only in culinary but management and various other sections of the industry. At the moment in terms of overall Omanisation we have 10000 local employees in the industry and we plan to increase the number to 14000 by the next year.'

She added 'It is in this context that academies like the Al Bustan Palace Hospitality Academy play an important role as they produce graduates of international quality.'

The academy has designed specific programmes to guide young Omani talent. These programmes offer training in leadership and soft skills culinary skills basic hospitality-specific training and professional certifications covering an array of disciplines.

'We are committed to advancing the skills and career prospects of our students. As a company we invest in the growth of every individual and wish to set them up for continued success within the company' said Bernard N Viola general manager Al Bustan Palace. As part of their continued efforts to give back to the community the hotel has also announced the introduction of a 'Junior Hotelier Summer Class' programme. The complimentary educational programme will be available next year for Omanis from select villages. It will offer an array of skills relevant to the hospitality industry.

'Our mission is to support the  next generation and inspire young Omani hoteliers. This will also be in line with the expansion plans initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's Vision 2020' added Viola.