Exploring the challenges and perceptions of Al Rustaq College of Applied Sciences students towards Omani women's empowerment in the tourism sector

This paper seeks to identify the perceptions of Al Rustaq College of Applied Sciences (RCAS) students towards Omani women's empowerment in the tourism sector and the challenges women may face. The main data collection method involved the distribution of a self-completion questionnaire (n = 290) to both male and female students. The study concluded that students' perceptions towards Omani women's empowerment in the tourism sector were quite positive. The study revealed that female students' perceptions regarding the ability of Omani women to work in the tourism sector without prejudice to the traditions and customs of the Omani conservative society were more positive than their male counterparts. The study also detected that “the negative perceptions of the tourism sector jobs” as well as the need to work “night shifts” were the most important challenges preventing female students from choosing work in the tourism sector after their graduation from the college.