Given that the tourism sector mainly hotel, tourism and leisure industry, is one of the biggest employers in
the world, there is a scope for Oman to be a niche hospitality market.
To look at the opportunities that the country has, Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Forum is being held under the auspices of the
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism by Crowe Oman with Horwath HTL at Crowne Plaza Hotel where representatives of the hotel industry and investment sector, owners of properties, and SMEs are delving into what Oman has to offer.
Speaking to Observer, John Fareed, Global Chairman, Horwath HTL, said, “Tourism is the only industry
that I know where we run into very well. Many in the industry who reached the level of general
managers started as dishwashers or bellmen. Then they worked up their way and got trained. I was
recently moderating a forum with four CEOs, and three out of the four said they had begun as
dishwashers and now they make significant money. The story can happen anywhere in the world, so in
other words, tourism is not just about bringing people to the country but gaining employability.”
Howarth HTL, a global brand with 52 offices in 38 countries, will now have their presence in the country
with Crowe Oman providing their expertise in development, including feasibility and planning, asset
management, valuation, strategic advice, health and wellness, tourism as well as hospitality crisis
management.
“The beauty of the hospitality industry is that what matters the most is the attitude more than just
qualification,” said Davis Kallukaran, Crowe Oman. He added, “if you have the attitude, you can succeed;
attitude is what counts.“
The tourism industry today has many trends, such as the growth seen in the Spa sector.
“A trend that is growing in demand is glamping. People want nature, but they want to comfort in five-
star facilities. This is today a fast-growing sector. It could be tents but with the best of facilities,” pointed
out John.
According to the experts, Oman has the advantage of its natural assets.
Sinisa Topalovic, the Global Head of Tourism Advisory of Horwath HTL, said Oman is different in so many
ways.
“Oman is different from the classic Middle East product - glass, steel and skyscrapers, which have their
own global demand, but Oman has the culture, heritage, climate and ambience - all of this sets Oman
apart. Covid has changed many aspects of the world, but tourism is back. It is great for outdoor
activities, and there are great opportunities out there for Destinations Management Companies.”
The experts quickly pointed out that tourism of high consumerism is on its way out.
James Chappell, the Global Business Director of Horwath HTL, noted, “Tourism of the future is where
people want sustainable tourism and genuine experience. They want true local destinations and
holidays. The question is what direction the industry will take us between now and 2040. Tourism is the
biggest employer, and all of the secondary and tertiary markets feed into that. It can give enormous
employment opportunities for young people.”
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