“The high Omanisation targets are challenging,” says Hytönen.
“This is particularly true for the private sector and our recruitment strategy in Oman differs to that in other Middle East countries. We are aggressively recruiting, training and promoting local staff within our hotels and we are very proud to confirm that we have managed to achieve a very high Omanisation percentage,” he continues.
“In fact, Radisson won an award for being the best employer for Omani nationals.”
For Omanisation to be successful in the long term, hoteliers need to work closely with local colleges to foster a strong Omani workforce capable of dealing with the demands of the hospitality industry.
They also need to develop and progress Omani nationals into middle management roles, where the talent squeeze is most acute.
This has become a primary concern for most of the major operators, including IHG, which claims that Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has the highest quota of Omani employees than any other hotel in the sultanate.
“Not only do we ensure that 85% of our staff are Omani nationals,” explains Kasselis, “but we also ensure that Omani nationals work across all hierarchical levels by putting in place succession plans to grow our Omani staff into managerial roles.
“At IHG, we have developed training and development programmes for our employees to help build and maintain a strong common culture, helping to minimise our attrition rate and entice great new employees from both the local and international communities.”
It seems that Oman is in control of its own destiny. Its rapid expansion is being strategically channelled by the government’s strong, long-term vision and adherence to a clear set of brand values.
Also, the Omani authorities are unafraid to put in place difficult policies to protect its greatest assets: its cultural heritage, natural beauty and its people. Having earned its much-deserved respect from hotel operators, Brand Oman is here to stay.
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10 reasons to invest in Oman
1 Maturation of the market is providing fresh investment opportunities in most sectors.
2 Arrivals into Oman are set to more than double by 2013.
3 An effective network of market-based representatives provide good reach into Oman’s key source markets.
4 The expansion of Muscat International Airport is set to increase capacity to 24 million passengers (from three million passengers in 2007).
5 Three new airports are planned for Oman’s key tourist areas.
6 A clear tourism strategy has been put in place by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism.
7 Recent liberalisation of Oman’s fiscal policies has attracted higher levels of FDI.
8 Restrictions on foreigners owning freehold properties has been lifted in tourist areas.
9 Competitive operational costs for businesses.
10 Tourism concepts can easily be built around Oman’s naturally rich cultural heritage.
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Feb 16, 2010 , Oman
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