Muscat: With the khareef season nearing an end in the Dhofar Governorate, the owners of small and medium enterprises registered the upper hand in contributing to the season's success. The season this year remained exceptional in terms of climatic conditions and overall business in the governorate.
The SMEs came out with different products and new seasonal marketing strategies. They built a distinct marketing identity by providing an exceptional experience for the tourists. Apart from enjoying the distinct climate, the visitors had a range of recreational activities, including shopping, cultural events and tourism experiences of various kinds. Adventure and cultural tourism elements were available for all age groups of visitors.
Among the activities, 70 per cent were managed by small and medium enterprises.
A total of 4,443 entrepreneurs participated in this year's khareef season, including 153 in the tourism-related activities. They made a true representation of the trend and culture of entrepreneurship that has begun to receive acceptance among the locals. Among the SMEs, those from the tourism sector attracted maximum attention.
SMEs have contributed to reviving the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman, which has been reflected in the increasing number of tourists.
The sector has seen growth due to its effective role, along with other tourist facilities, in promoting the Sultanate of Oman as a regional and global tourist destination.
The SME operators called for support from the government agencies to enable institutions and entrepreneurs to invest and finance and prepare the SMEs to avail the opportunities.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with youth enterprise support institutions and bodies, has facilitated the establishment of SMEs of tourism nature to contribute to raising the capabilities of the local economy and creating suitable job opportunities for citizens.
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