Women professionals vital for tourism sector development

Women professionals vital for tourism sector development

A seminar titled 'Women in Tourism' emphasised women's pivotal role in advancing Oman's travel and tourism sector to become a significant contributor to the GDP, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goals.The one-day event, attended by experts, highlighted the need to prioritise empowering women in travel and tourism as Oman strives to attract more tourists and boost employment opportunities.Dr Hashil al Mahrouqi, Omran Group CEO, stressed the crucial role of women in tourism, stating, "We must leverage all available tools to empower women in an industry with untapped potential in this beautiful country." Oman faces a growing challenge of youth unemployment, with over 65,000 young people without jobs, according to the Ministry of Labour. With about 600 hotels, the tourism sector can significantly contribute to job creation, making it a vital aspect of Oman's economic landscape.The seminar, held under the auspices of Her Highness Sayyidah Dr Basma al Said, witnessed discussions on encouraging women to exert greater efforts in the tourism industry.Dr Lubna al Mazroei, Tourism Investment Manager at Oman Investment Authority, emphasised the proven contribution of women in the sector, urging faith in their abilities for overall development."We should push forward to fully develop the professional growth of women's