Muscat: Oman Tourism College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Washington State University.

As part of the agreement, Oman Tourism College (OTC) students and faculty members can engage in collaborative virtual learning, joint research, and industry projects, as well as faculty exchange and study abroad programmes.

It also allows Omani students looking to obtain a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality to apply for the Doctoral Degree Programmes at Washington State University.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Dr Abdulkarim Sultan Al Mughairi, Dean of OTC said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Washington State University since it opens up broad prospects for us to further develop our programmes.

“Moreover, we can benefit from their extensive and valuable experience in the fields of academics, teaching, training, and scientific research. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation and relationship with WSU, to achieve even more growth and success.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Harrington, Director, School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University Carson College of Business added: “We are excited to launch this partnership with Oman Tourism College.

“This MoU is an important step towards our engagement with the MENA region and it will create opportunities for joint research, study abroad programmes, and faculty collaboration in teaching and learning.”

Washington State University was founded in 1890 and hosts one of the top 10 hospitality business programmes in the world.

The School of Hospitality Business Management is part of the Carson College of Business which consistently ranks among the top business schools in the United States. The School offers a range of innovative programmes including a new Bachelor’s degree in Senior Living Management.

Moreover, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities including the Marriott Foundation Hospitality Teaching Center as well as several internationally-renowned tourism and hospitality scholars, who are part of the faculty.