Holding meetings with partners of various segments is part of the future work philosophy that has various positive effects in terms of learning about these partners’ visions, aspirations, hopes, and opinions regarding the services provided by different agencies. One of the significant positive aspects of these gatherings is that they could lead to bridging the gaps between the various agencies and adopting different thoughts that may be translated into projects or works.
This is the impression I got from the meeting held by the Minister of Heritage and Tourism with the students of the Oman Tourism College, which I had the privilege to attend, and where I heard questions and ideas raised by students that offer high hopes for the future of tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. Some initiatives were presented at the meeting with the goal of strengthening the sector. The meeting gave a chance to learn more about the job opportunities offered by this crucial industry, as well as the wide range of work and freelance opportunities it offers. This is extremely satisfying as it shows a positive attitude towards partners and how to communicate with them in a way that supports the intended approaches and goals.
Most importantly, though, it sheds light on the efforts made to engage in open communication and build stronger relationships with the younger generations. This opens broader horizons for these partners and strengthen the relationship between officials and young people in their field of expertise, as well as foster trust between the parties that serves future approaches.
There is no doubt that these discussions are very important because they help broaden the scope of consultation, exchange of opinions, and keep a proper dialogue going about the future of the relevant sectors and how they can support the development of the nation. This will inevitably lead to bridging any potential gaps between the partners.
This is exactly what the minister's meeting with the students depicted. In discussing the future of the tourism sector and the opportunities available for its development, the minister and the students demonstrated a deep level of relationship characterised by kindness and affectation. This meeting reflected our future aspirations for this significant industry.
The meeting had many indications for achieving gains in terms of understanding the significance of the sector and its distinctive features, as well as raising awareness of its importance and contribution to the GDP.
The meeting was also an example of how hosting large events could be beneficial. These questions and many others show to what extent the students have knowledge about the foundations of the tourism sector and ways of advancing it. The minister responded favourably to this, and promised that the gathering will be held every year to hear the students' insightful ideas and explore their perspectives. These insights have shed light on some of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's areas of concern and aspirations to develop the sector based on numerous factors, such as preparedness and providing many attractions to satisfy visitors, and many other foundations that form the cornerstones of the Sultanate of Oman's tourism industry.
I was quite astonished and impressed by the exhibition accompanying the meeting. The exhibition, which was organised by the Oman Tourism College, presented the projects and initiatives of the students in the tourism sector. This is an important addition to the sector, whether by taking advantage of the old neighbourhoods or exhibiting all the miniature components of each governorate at a single venue where all services are available, as well as cable cars, and other ideas promoted by the Najm Initiative.
The Ministry of Heritage, Tourism, the Ministry of Labour, Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and others are participating in this initiative by adopting some self-employment initiatives for tourism projects and developing them in real life, where students presented creative ideas that constitute an important addition to the tourism sector. These creative ideas could be possibly implemented on the ground.
We have sensed and are highly assured that these students have delved deeply into all the intricacies of work in the field of hospitality, and in a way that reflects the Omani values in this bright aspect of our distinctive national identity.
Indeed, talking about such meetings and the indications they embody the importance they represent and cannot be reduced to a brief talk. Attending these meetings and listening to the younger generations is a complete pleasure per se, where joy and happiness emerge in a spontaneous manner in a positive atmosphere, while seeing such a sparkle in the faces of these young people.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
