Dialogue Session Reviews Enhancing SMEs Investment in Tourism Sector.

Muscat: The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) today organized the fourth dialogue session entitled 'Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises Investment in the Tourism Sector.' The session comes as a continuation of a series of meetings and dialogues implemented by the Authority. These sessions aim to improve the business environment and its attractiveness to the SMEs, and to contribute to developing supportive policies and encouraging entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas. According to Oman News Agency, the dialogue session discussed four themes concerned with developing the tourism sector: supporting policies and legislation in the tourism sector, regulatory procedures and standards required for quality and safety, operation and licenses, employment contracts, and usufruct lands in the sector. It also addressed enabling factors supporting the sector, such as financing and investment programs, training, incentives and facilities, partnership programs, incubators, and business a ccelerators. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stated that this dialogue session will pave the way for male and female entrepreneurs to learn more about the Ministry's programs. He noted that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working on diverse programs of interest to SMEs. He mentioned that the Ministry has contracted with one of the expertise houses to implement an integrated management plan for A'Sharqiyah Sands, aiming to preserve this unique site as an area targeting a specific segment of tourists. Al Busaidi further explained that investment opportunities for complementary projects to existing projects in A'Sharqiyah Sands will be updated to raise competitiveness and attract a broader segment, creating a broader economic impact. Regarding the heritage sector, he noted that the Ministry has offered a large group of investment opportunities. These opportunities allow Omani companies, mostly SMEs, to manage and operate some heritage and historical facilities, with more opportunities to be offered soon. The session concluded with numerous recommendations and proposals, notably facilitating tourism legislation by developing flexible laws for obtaining licenses, raising tourism awareness through organizing internal and external campaigns, supporting SMEs in obtaining tourism project contracts, reducing taxes, and providing incentives. The dialogue session was attended by Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Halima Rashid Al Zar'ei, ASMED Chairperson, Hussain bin Ali Al Lawati, CEO of the Oman Development Bank, officials from the Ministry, and SME owners involved in the tourism sector activities.