Muscat: In the hustle and bustle of multi-million tourism projects in Oman, the voice of the key frontline players in the tourism industry has gone unheard.
Pages and pages have been written about Oman's progress in offering its scenic beauty to the world, but tour guides, who are the key to success of every tourism initiative, have an untold story that begs to be heard.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, which is observed today, Speaking to Mohamed Ahmed Al Tawqi, a tour guide with 15 years of experience and Kamil Mahmood Al Raisis, who has been working in this field for 12 years.
They believed that the government was not providing any support to tour guides.
Al Tawqi appreciates the government's efforts to promote Oman's tourism but believes that tour leaders, who are the principal interface between tourists and the destinations, feel that the local community, should be involved in the decision-making.
There are so many things that the Ministry of Tourism should do for tour leaders as they are the people who know the ins and outs of tourism, directly interact with tourists and receive first-hand feedback from visitors, he said.
"The ministry should at least once in a year bring all tour guides together and ask them what is needed for tourists and what are the main problems facing tourists and tour guides," said Al Tawqi, a tour guide fluent in English and French.
'How can a foreigner represent Oman overseas?'
He said that during his career he had not seen any useful conference or seminar being held for tour leaders and they were not receiving enough support from the government.
Tourism events should not be only attended by people who are sitting in their office and do not know the realities on the ground in the tourism sector, Al Tawqi noted.
Echoing a similar view, Al Raisis said that even if some workshops are held, they do not help the tour guides at all.
They should not just review the same old issues and common knowledge information in these gatherings and should instead focus on the things that tour guides really require to enhance the experience of tourists, he added.
Lack of support from the government is driving those working in companies to become freelance tour guides, Al Raisis said, noting that there are a lot of measures that the ministry should take.
"No support is provided by the government. They should sit with us and discuss the issues as we know the situation well," he said.
Al Tawqi also said that the government is participating in international tourism events outside the country, but to the dismay of Omani tour leaders, each time some non-Omani representatives from travel agencies are selected to attend these events.
"How can a foreigner represent Oman? Why should they not choose Omani tour guides who have a passion for the job and love to show their country to the world?"
Al Raisis agreed with the comment and said that some people have asked why Omanis were not present at tourism exhibitions held outside the country.
He added that some tour leaders are members of groups on Whats-App but the authorities concerned should bring order to this field and help them form groups that will enhance their capabilities and knowledge.
Al Tawqi also complained about the fact that tour leaders are not being supported FINANCIALLY.
"Tour guides cannot work during the off-season. How can they make a living by working only for some months in a year?" he asked.
Some sort of fixed salary arrangements should be made for tour leaders, he suggested, adding that lack of FINANCIAL support may be the main reason why locals are not interested in working in this field. Al Raisis said as there is an age limit to be a tour guide they should be provided support to be able to handle their expenses when they retire.
Commenting on lack of skilled tour guides, Al Tawqi said, "Oman Tourism College is there but where are the graduates? Most of the tour guides here do not have an academic background.
They do it out of their passion and have learned things by themselves."
Al Tawqi believes that some tour guides are not fit for the job as they have not been trained on how to treat tourists.
"Tour leaders must know how to take care of the tourists and how to treat them well so that they leave the country with a smile."
He added that tourists may be injured in some tourist spots if their tour leaders are not professional. In addition, Al Raisis said that providing tour guides with first-aid kits and guide is the least the authorities can do for them.
The ministry should hold training courses for tourists, Al Tawqi said, noting that the development of tourism in the country requires something more than constructing buildings and offices.
He said that he had approached the ministry to discuss these ideas but "nobody listens".
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