Date: December 28, 2015
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must tap the vast opportunities available in the tourism sector in Oman, suggested experts who participated in the “Tajribati” session organised by Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC), the social responsibility initiative of Zubair Corporation.
The recent “Tajribati” session on “Opportunities for SMEs in the Tourism Sector” held at Bait Al Zubair was attended by new entrepreneurs, experts, professionals and specialists in the field.
Zubair SEC’s monthly sessions “Tajribati” aims to support entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses by providing them a platform to have dialogues and discussions with specialists on topics concerning the field they are doing business in.
During the discussion experts from the tourism industry suggested that understanding the needs of the tourists and continuous innovation is what is going to help the SMEs in establishing themselves in the Oman’s bourgeoning tourism industry.
While some specialists suggested that government and new entrepreneurs need to work together, others suggested that opportunities must be provided for SMEs to develop skills.
They also called the need to design and implement effective education and training programmes such as the one’s organised by Zubair SEC for new entrepreneurs.
Adel Al Hubaishi, Senior Business Advisor at Zubair SEC said, “the “Tajribati” session on “Opportunities for SMEs in the Tourism Sector” aimed at guiding new entrepreneurs to tap niche areas.
Al Hubaishi said that the changing dynamics of the tourism industry and the constant support by the government and initiatives such as the Zubair SEC has opened up a plethora of opportunities for the SMEs.
He said through the “Tajribati” session we wanted to show new entrepreneurs the way forward. Specialists who spoke at the discussion asked them to take advantage of every opportunity to survive and grow in this highly competitive industry.”
Thanking the Zubair SEC for organising the session, Adel Al Abri, founder of Uniboats Oman said, “It felt great to see many participating and discussing the opportunities in the tourism sector. We came together to discuss the future of tourism sector in Oman and there was a lot to learn for new entrepreneurs like me from this session.”
Al Abri said the session were enlightening since it discussed the challenges faced by the SMEs working in the tourism sector.
“While experts suggested how to overcome the challenges, we also heard the experiences of new entrepreneurs and how they overcame challenges they faced while working in the tourism industry. They came out with unique solutions,” Al Abri said.
Al Abri who is now establishing himself as an entrepreneur advised new comers to be optimistic.
“Those who want to do business in the tourism sector need to be very passionate and responsible. There are plenty of opportunities in the tourism sector but entrepreneurs need to work very hard to find success,” said Al Abri.
Al Abri also urged new entrepreneurs to associate themselves with the Zubair SEC. He said, “Zubair SEC provide great training and mentor programmes for new entrepreneurs that will prepare them in their journey as businessmen.”
Amer Al Rawahi, owner of Arabs Adventurers Company who participated in the “Tajribati” session spoke of his success story.
“I started work as a driver in big tourism companies. After that I took on the job of a guide but was keen on doing something more. So in 2011, I decided I must offer something new for the tourists who visit Oman and started my company. Though the initial year was tough I didn’t lose hope. In 2013, my company got a lot of booking and lot of people were interested in my programme. Every year, I make new itinerary for tourists which makes my company unique,” Al Rawahi said.
To strengthen his business practices in the tourism sector Zubair SEC had recently sent Al Rawahi to Spain to expose him to international experience.
Al Rawahi interacted with representatives of tourism companies in Spanish cities and signed agreements with them to promote tourism in Oman.
“I extend my gratitude to Zubair SEC for its continuous support. They have been providing a range of much needed services and training for all entrepreneurs, small businesses owners and members of the centre. I aspire to make Arabs Adventurers Company among the leading tourism companies in the Sultanate and present Oman as a global tourism destination,” said Al Rawahi.