The Ministry of Tourism is working to facilitate setting up small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. It is also providing all support to the youth projects in the Sultanate. These tourism SMEs are expected to improve the local economy and provide job opportunities for citizens. This will be possible by promoting these enterprises locally, internationally and regionally in the tourism exhibitions. The Public Authority for SMEs Development (Riyada) has registered 364 enterprises in the tourism sector.

These SMEs help in the recovery of tourism in the Sultanate and increase the number of tourists of different nationalities. This is due to their active role alongside other tourism establishments in promoting the Sultanate as a regional and international tourist destination. The tourism SMEs are aimed at reaching out to all segments of tourists from inside and outside the Sultanate.

Ministry of Tourism’s support for the SME’s

Musallam al-Nabhani, Director of the Tourism Initiative and SMEs Support, said that the role played by the Ministry of Tourism in supporting SMEs in the tourism sector was very important. It is creating an environment in which SMEs get the support they require for their growth, sustainability, competition and for facing challenges from the sector. There is also coordination between the government and private financing organisations to make it easy for the SMEs to get finances for their tourism projects. All these efforts are made to provide support to the SMEs with the sale and purchase of local products as well. The ministry is also conducting a follow-up of the procedures regarding tourism licenses for these SMEs.

“About the nature of the initiatives supported by the ministry, in general, are those which are economically feasible for the local society and the country. The ministry also develops initiatives, which support the local society and the tourism sector of the Sultanate,” al-Nabhani added.

Riyada – Public Authority for SME’s Development

He further said that the Ministry of Tourism was preparing a package of support programs for SMEs. The ministry in partnership with the Public Authority for SMEs Development (Riyada) is introducing programs that will improve and develop the skills of owners of the enterprises required for preparing feasibility studies, modern management of projects and marketing.

Riyada is working with the ministry to support the activities of SMEs in the area of tourism. Sultan al-Ma’awali, Director of Marketing and Events at Riyada, said that 364 tourism SMEs were registered with Riyada till the end of January.

SME promotions and Exhibitions

Riyada provides several technical programs for owners of these enterprises, for promotion of their products and services inside and outside the Sultanate. It also provides incubators for emerging enterprises in their first three years to ensure they are successful. It also gives training and skill development opportunities, guidance and advice to the owners of tourism and other SMEs.

Riyada also supports these tourism SMEs and initiatives to participate in national and foreign exhibitions, to help them with the promotion and marketing of their services, and utilizing the opportunity to enter into partnerships. Riyada participates in international tourism exhibitions every year, particularly those that are held in Berlin, London, and Dubai. During these international exhibitions, the Ministry of Tourism represents the Sultanate of Oman.