MOU to create opportunities for SMEs in tourism

Taking a collaborative approach towards boosting In-Country Value (ICV), the SMEs Development Authority signed an MoU with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group). The strategic collaboration aims at enhancing the joint efforts to provide further opportunities to SMEs working in the tourism sector, through various programmes and initiatives.

The agreement was signed by Halima Rashid al Zari, Chairperson, SMEs Development Authority, and Eng Mohammed Salim al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group.

The agreement seeks to strengthen ways of cooperation between the two sides in various areas that include the enhancement of In-Country Value, Empowering SMEs to leverage business opportunities in OMRAN Group’s portfolio and developing the craft sector. The agreement also aims to provide impetus to the role of tourism incubators and areas related to operating facilities, as well as creating products and services, that are viable for the SME ecosystem in this sector.

Additionally, the Authority will provide OMRAN Group with a database of the companies operating in the sector to maximize their business opportunities. OMRAN Group will also raise awareness about the digital platform of the National Travel Operator ‘VisitOman.om’ and encourage SMEs to capitalize on the benefits it offers.

As part of the agreement, both entities will jointly cooperate on setting a framework and a common vision to develop innovative incubators that support the development and establishment of SMEs specialized in the tourism sector. Additionally, the Group’s senior officials will visit handicrafts centers in Bahla, Samail and Al Jabal Al Akhdar to analyse their capabilities. OMRAN Group will further explore means of support to enhance the facilities and tourism activities in the sites owned by the Authority.

The Authority, in cooperation with the Group, seeks to streamline the efforts to find effective initiatives aligned with the latest practices in the field of ICV and social investment, within the geographical scope of OMRAN’s various tourism projects and assets. This helps increase local spending, support domestic supply chains, enhance partnerships and investment opportunities with the local community, and create direct and indirect job opportunities for Omanis. — ONA