The Manpower and Training Component of the Oman

The manpower and training component of the Oman tourism plan represents the recognized approach to providing the trained personnel required for proper management and operation of the tourism sector.

Background

Located in the southern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman offers a diversity of tourist attractions. Natural features include scenic beauty, beaches and other interesting environmental features. Cultural attractions relate to the long history of the country - the traditions of historic towns and villages, and numerous archeological and historic monuments. During recent years, the production and export of oil has provided the country with the means for achieving rapid economic development.

The national tourism plan for Oman was prepared in 1991 (UNDP and WTO. 1991 National Plan for Tourism - Sultanate of Oman. Madrid: WTO). The planning approach is a comprehensive one, with emphasis on controlled development. Both international and domestic tourism are considered. The tourism development concept is based on providing opportunities for informed tourists to experience the special cultural and environmental features of Oman.

A particular characteristic of manpower planning for tourism in Oman is relatively poor cultural, religious and social image of the hotel and catering industry as an employer. There is not a tradition in the country of working in many of the activities associated with tourism, and especially in food and beverage service.

Manpower supply and demand

The planning team reviewed an existing national study of labour supply and demand for the entire economy of Oman, prepared by the World Bank in 1985. The study revealed that there is a much higher proportion of males then females in the education system as a whole, but there is a more balanced distribution of students taking business and commercial courses.

As the first step of the manpower planning analysis of the tourism plan, a survey was conducted of existing employment in hotels. Based on this survey and the projected accommodation need in the plan, manpower needs are projected to 1995, 2000 and 2005. The projection is distributed by occupation and education/skills lever categories as follows:

* General management - graduate, diploma/certificate and advanced skills levels

* Specialist