Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has announced the launch of registration for a specialised tourist guiding programme designed for Omani nationals proficient in either Chinese or Spanish.
This initiative aims to train and qualify national professionals in tourist guiding, enhancing specialised tourism services tailored to international markets. The programme targets Omani citizens fluent in Chinese or Spanish, which is a mandatory requirement. Applicants must be fully available for the entire training duration, actively seeking employment, and able to pass both an assessment test and a personal interview.
Candidates who fulfill the initial criteria will be informed of the assessment test’s date and location. Those who pass will advance to a personal interview as part of the final selection process. Successful completion of this programme is mandatory for obtaining a tourist guiding licence.
The registration deadline is January 5, 2026.
This announcement aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of Oman’s national workforce and support the growth of the tourism sector in response to global market demands.
Oman’s unique and authentic offerings are expected to strongly appeal to Chinese tourists. With the introduction of direct flights from Beijing, travel between the two countries is becoming more convenient and attractive. Visa exemption policies, coupled with improved connectivity, are projected to drive a significant increase in tourism.
In 2024, approximately 73,000 Chinese tourists visited Oman, and officials anticipate a notable rise in arrivals throughout 2025 and the subsequent years. Additionally, China’s international visitor spending is expected to grow by nearly 13%.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s initiative to train Omani guides fluent in Chinese and Spanish positions Oman to capitalize on growing international tourism, especially from China’s surging visitor numbers and spending. This creates a strategic opportunity for businesses in hospitality, transport, and cultural sectors to tailor services and enhance visitor experiences. Smart investors should consider expanding offerings that cater to these markets while entrepreneurs can leverage language skills and cultural expertise to meet rising demand for specialized tourist services.