MUSCAT: In our first installment, HE Azzan Al Busaidi explores the vulnerabilities facing the tourism sector and the strategies being implemented to build greater resilience. From natural disasters to global geopolitical tensions, discover how the ministry is creating a more robust tourism ecosystem.
Q: You recently took part in the Risky Business panel at the Advantage Oman Forum. What makes tourism particularly vulnerable to risks?
The tourism industry faces unique vulnerabilities that distinguish it from other sectors. COVID-19 demonstrated this perfectly – our entire sector essentially shut down overnight when borders closed. Unlike tech companies that could pivot to remote work, tourism operations simply couldn’t continue.
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Here in Oman, we’ve experienced firsthand how natural disasters affect tourism. Cyclones like Gonu and Shaheen caused major damage to our coastal facilities and disrupted visitor experiences. Additionally, global geopolitical tensions consistently influence travel decisions – even conflicts in neighbouring regions can shift booking patterns.
The interconnected nature of tourism creates another layer of vulnerability. Airlines, hotels, restaurants and attractions all depend on each other. When one component struggles, the entire ecosystem feels the impact.
However, facing these challenges has actually strengthened our industry. We’ve developed more robust contingency plans and embraced creative thinking. These difficult situations have ultimately helped us build a more resilient tourism sector for the long-term.
Q: How is the ministry addressing these vulnerabilities to make tourism more resilient?
We’ve adopted a proactive approach by diversifying our tourism offerings and strengthening both domestic and regional tourism. This creates a stable foundation even when international travel faces disruption.
Through OMRAN Group, we’ve established public-private partnerships that share both opportunities and risks, creating a more reliable environment for investors. We’re also encouraging tourism businesses to incorporate local producers into their supply chains, reducing dependence on imports that might be affected by global disruptions.
These strategies have made our tourism sector more resilient and increasingly attractive to investors, despite the potential risks.
To be continued.
