500,000 jobs in tourism, 300,000 in logistics by 2040

Vinod Nair  -

Muscat, Dec 18  -

Tourism sector is predicted to create 500,000 jobs and logistics 300,000 by 2040, according to senior officials discussing diversification strategies in the Sultanate.

Out of the 500,000 jobs in the tourism sector, an estimated 75 per cent could go to Omani nationals.

The government expects the travel and tourism sector to drive the Omanisation campaign in next two years by generating more jobs compared with the other non-oil sectors. According to statistics released by Ministry of Manpower, Omanisation percentage in the tourism sector is expected to reach 44.1 per cent by 2020, from 43.1 per cent in 2019, 42 per cent in 2018 and 41.1 per cent in 2017.

Omanisation in the logistics sector will reach 20 per cent by 2020, from 18 per cent in 2019, 16 per cent in 2018 and 14 per cent in 2017. Omanisation in industrial sector will reach 35 per cent by 2020, from 34.5 per cent in 2019, 33 per cent in 2018 and 32 per cent in 2017. The National Tourism Strategy (NTS) aims to increase international arrivals to 11.7 million visitors per year by 2040. It seeks to boost tourism’s contribution to GDP to more than six per cent.

Efforts are underway to attract Omani nationals in the tourism sector. The government is exploring ways to double number of direct jobs for Omanis in the sector by 2020. Target for 2020 is creation of 21,000 new direct jobs, including 10,000 for Omanis, and bringing average Omanisation ratio in the tourism sector to 44 per cent, according to the annual report of the Tanfeedh’s Implementation and Follow-Up Unit.

The focus will be on the clear definition and alignment of the tourism sector activities versus other sectors; Omanisation targets and job creation; In-Country Value (ICV) initiatives and human capital development; provide incentives, including grace period of up to two years, on labour market regulatory framework for newly established investments, establish Oman Tourism Association to reflect sector interests; and have a stronger engagement with the private sector.

The Ministry of Tourism, along with the Ministry of Manpower, is expected to continue focus on unlocking labour solutions for the tourism sector.