The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) recently organized a dialogue session focused on enhancing small and medium enterprises investment in the tourism sector. This session is part of a series of meetings aimed at improving the business environment and encouraging entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas. The dialogue session delved into four key themes related to developing the tourism sector, including supporting policies and legislation, regulatory procedures and standards, employment contracts, usufruct lands, financing, investment programs, training, incentives, facilities, partnership programs, incubators, and business accelerators.
Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, highlighted the importance of such dialogue sessions in providing male and female entrepreneurs with valuable insights into the Ministry’s programs. He mentioned that the Ministry is actively working on various programs that are of interest to SMEs, such as an integrated management plan for A’Sharqiyah Sands to preserve the unique site and attract more tourists. Additionally, investment opportunities for complementary projects in A’Sharqiyah Sands are being updated to enhance competitiveness and create a broader economic impact.
In terms of the heritage sector, Al Busaidi mentioned that the Ministry is offering a range of investment opportunities for Omani companies, particularly SMEs, to manage and operate heritage and historical facilities. He also highlighted upcoming opportunities in this sector. The dialogue session resulted in several recommendations and proposals, including the need for flexible laws for obtaining licenses, raising tourism awareness, supporting SMEs in obtaining project contracts, reducing taxes, and providing incentives to promote investment in the tourism sector.
The dialogue session was attended by key officials, including Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Halima Rashid Al Zar’ei, ASMED Chairperson, Hussain bin Ali Al Lawati, the CEO of the Oman Development Bank, and officials from the Ministry. The session also saw the participation of SME owners engaged in tourism sector activities, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts to enhance small and medium enterprises’ investment in the tourism sector.
Overall, the dialogue session on enhancing small and medium enterprises investment in the tourism sector was a significant step towards fostering a conducive business environment for SMEs and encouraging entrepreneurship in the tourism industry. Through discussions on supporting policies, regulatory procedures, financing, and investment programs, the session aimed to create awareness about the importance of tourism and provide opportunities for SMEs to thrive in this sector. The recommendations and proposals put forth during the session underscore the commitment to facilitating tourism legislation, supporting SMEs, and promoting investments in the tourism sector for sustainable growth and development.
