MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) has announced the opening of registration for a specialised tourist guiding programme targeting Omanis fluent in Chinese or Spanish, as part of efforts to strengthen specialised tourism services for international markets.
The programme aims to qualify and train national cadres in professional tourist guiding, supporting the growth of Oman’s tourism sector and enhancing visitor experiences from key global markets.
According to the ministry, applicants must be Omani citizens with full proficiency in either Chinese or Spanish, which is considered a core requirement.
Candidates are also required to be fully available throughout the training period, actively seeking employment, and capable of passing both an assessment test and a personal interview.
Eligible applicants will be notified of the date and venue of the assessment test, after which successful candidates will proceed to a personal interview as part of the final selection process. The ministry noted that completion of the programme is mandatory to obtain a tourist guiding licence.
The deadline for registration is January 5, 2026.
The initiative comes amid growing momentum in Oman’s tourism sector, particularly from the Chinese market. Officials note that Oman’s authentic cultural heritage, natural landscapes and hospitality appeal strongly to Chinese travellers. The introduction of direct flights from Beijing, coupled with visa exemption policies, is expected to further boost tourism flows between the two countries.
Around 73,000 Chinese tourists visited Oman in 2024, and authorities anticipate a significant increase in arrivals in 2025 and the years ahead.
China’s outbound travel spending is also projected to rise by nearly 13 per cent, presenting strong opportunities for Oman’s tourism industry. The programme reflects the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s ongoing efforts to enhance the readiness of national human resources and align tourism services with global market demand.
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