Tourism Breaking News
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Career Guidance and Student Counselling, celebrated the successful conclusion of the first edition of the “Summer Camp” — a unique initiative aimed at introducing school students to real-world career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Held over 10 days, the program welcomed 50 students from grades 10 and 11, who participated in a series of immersive activities, including site visits to various OMRAN Group-affiliated entities across sectors such as hospitality, tourism experiences, and visitor services. In addition, the students took part in interactive workshops and career guidance sessions, providing them with valuable exposure to professional work environments and deepening their understanding of the tourism industry. The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Professor Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, and attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, along with a number of officials from both sides.
Maha Al Farsi, HR Business Partner at OMRAN Group, said: “We’re pleased with the success of the first edition of the summer camp, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Vocational Guidance Centre. We were truly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and commitment throughout the program. The camp offered a practical learning experience that introduced participants to the key pillars and diverse fields of the tourism sector. We believe initiatives like this play a vital role in building early career awareness and inspiring youth to explore the sector’s promising opportunities.”
Mr. Zahran bin Nasser Al-Maghadri, Assistant Director of Studies and Entrepreneurship at the Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Centre, Ministry of Education, stated: “The summer camp bridged the gap between education and the job market by offering students hands-on experience in the tourism sector. It raised their career awareness and strengthened key skills. This initiative supports our goal of preparing a capable generation that values national opportunities like tourism. We’re proud to partner with OMRAN Group in this model of effective public-private collaboration.”
Students also shared their reflections on the experience. Aya Sultan Al-Wahaibi, a student participant, said: “It was an inspiring and useful experience. I learned a lot from the workshops and visits and discovered new areas within tourism that I had never considered before. The camp helped me explore my interests and made me more excited to learn about the sector.”
Mohammed Ali Al Maamari, another student, shared: “The program gave me the chance to see new sides of tourism and learn about the different roles behind the scenes. It was different from school – I felt like I was learning in a fun and practical way.”
The Summer Camp is one of several initiatives under the broader #IAmTourism strategy led by OMRAN Group, which focuses on building a strong national talent pipeline for Oman’s tourism sector. The strategy is built on four pillars: increasing awareness of tourism careers, attracting local talent, supporting retention, and fostering institutional partnerships. Through such efforts, OMRAN continues to position tourism as a valuable and accessible career path for Omani youth.
