MUSCAT, Dec 19 - Young Omanis studying abroad will soon be the torchbearers of their country’s tourist destinations, according to a plan envisaged by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).The ministry’s first-of-its-kind programme, titled ‘Ta’la’, seeks to tap thousands of Omani students abroad to spread the word about their country to their peers. The idea is to attract foreign students and the native travellers to the country. Omani students’ communities outside the Sultanate or those who have previously studied there will encourage friends to visit the country and experience the local hospitality along with the natural attractions.
They will send out “positive messages” about tourism in Oman and raise awareness and the knowledge of history and culture.
They will also campaign about the importance of using public transport in the Sultanate.
The official launch of ‘Ta’la’, organised in association with a number of Omani student associations abroad, will be held under the auspices of Maitha bint Saif al Mahruqiya, Under-Secretary, MoT, on Wednesday.
The initiative is divided into two phases such as the exploration and development phase, and the awareness and education phase.
Omanis studying outside the country, graduates from these countries and the next group of scholarship students will act as ‘tourism ambassadors’ in the first phase of the initiative.
The launch of the initiative will include competitions based on tourism opportunities and workshops in cooperation with participants in the initiative, including Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Higher Education, Mwasalat, National Youth Committee, National Center for Vocational Guidance and Digital Oman. Thousands of Omani students are pursuing higher education abroad. In the United States and Canada alone, 4,000 Omanis are pursuing higher education with a similar number studying in other countries.
KABEER YOUSUF
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