Helping SMEs expand their tourist reach

STAFF REPORTER -

Oman’s largest Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC), Hawana Salalah, has launched weekly events to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dhofar.

The event titled Hawana Fiesta is evoking good response from the participants, as the SMEs are finding it a good platform to promote their products and get them introduced to international tourists, who come to Salalah in big numbers during the winter season.

The influx of tourists is mainly from the European countries including Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and France amongst others.

“The lively event welcomes over 2,000 tourists who arrive to Hawana Salalah’s 1,100 hotel rooms each week, showcasing the products and services of the local small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, Oman’s rich cultural heritage, as well as an array of lively entertainment,” said a representative of Hawana Salalah while commenting on the opportunities the hospitality major offers to the local community in line with its commitment to boost in-country value (ICV).

“The weekly Hawana Fiesta has been organised in line with Muriya’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, providing a platform that nurtures Omani entrepreneurs. The merchandise on offer includes handcrafted items, delicious homemade delicacies, local frankincense and handmade perfumes all produced by the local SMEs. Henna artists and cartoonists are also offering their services.”

Amina bint Fath-Allah Boat Farid is a Dhofari SME vendor, actively participating at the Hawana Fiesta selling bakhoor, luban, oils and cosmetics from luban, as well as handmade frankincense burners (pottery), handwoven baskets and Oman souvenirs. “We would like to thank Muriya for their continuous support of our business to grow. Hawana Fiesta has been a great opportunity for us to promote our products and communicate with tourists from all around the world,” she said.

Ahmed Salem, Destination Director at Muriya’s Hawana Salalah said, “We created the weekly Hawana Fiesta so as to provide a memorable experience for tourists and Dhofaris but also to support the local community. We are working hand in hand with our partners to empower SMEs and are committed to supporting them in creating strong and stable businesses. With the influx of tourists, especially those on package holidays, the number of people visiting the Fiesta continues to grow.”

The event offers something for the entire family, with live music and entertainment. Fiesta-goers can enjoy watching dance and fire shows in addition to an Omani band playing traditional music, a singer and flutist. There is plenty to keep the little ones happy with activities including a children’s disco, face painting and a bouncy castle. Winter is the ideal time to enjoy the Sultanate’s sublime temperatures and the fiesta continues to be an enthralling experience for adults and children alike.

Located in the ancient Governorate of Dhofar and stretching over seven kilometres of white Indian Ocean coastline, Hawana Salalah is Oman’s largest tourism destination. Home to 1,100 luxurious hotel rooms, unique dining, and a multinational community, the destination epitomises exceptional every day, making it the perfect getaway.