The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with the National Employment Programme and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, launched the ‘Freelancer Registry’ initiative for tour guides in Oman. The goal of this initiative is to support and regulate the tour guiding sector in the country, providing a legal and regulatory framework for tour guides. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of tour guiding services in line with Oman’s tourism aspirations.
The Freelancer Registry offers independent tour guides a supportive environment, as well as training and development opportunities. Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasised the crucial role that tour guides play in the tourism industry. He highlighted the importance of providing authentic information and engaging storytelling during group tours to leave a positive impression on tourists.
Al Busaidi stated that obtaining a tour guide license after completing the necessary training period is one of the steps set by the Ministry to ensure quality in tour guiding practice. He also mentioned that raising awareness among tour guides, motivating them to enhance their competitiveness, and adhering to quality standards are essential for continuous improvement. As of the end of September, there were 906 Omani tour guides holding valid licenses.
The launch of the Freelancer Registry initiative aims to highlight the significance of the tour guiding profession, recognize the contributions of tour guides to Oman’s tourism industry, and encourage those interested in the tourism sector to pursue a career in tour guiding. This initiative will also create job opportunities for citizens in this vital field. Furthermore, the initiative outlines the benefits of registering in the Freelancer Registry, the facilities provided, and the advantages of contracting with freelancers.
This initiative will not only benefit tour guides but also improve the overall tourism experience in Oman. By setting a standard for tour guiding services and offering support for independent workers in the field, the Freelancer Registry will help to elevate the quality of tours and attract more tourists to the country. This initiative also demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing and promoting the tourism sector in Oman.
