Oman’s tourism sector is experiencing a surge - almost 50% growth in the number of tourists visiting the country in 2022. The industry is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% reaching US$900 million between 2022 and 2026. Oman aims to earn over US$22.5 billion a year from tourism by 2040 up from US$3.1 billion in 2019. And with the aim of boosting international as well as domestic travel the government has established plans to establish a cluster of tourism-related investments across the country. These include theme parks, nature resorts, water parks and entertainment centres.


Key Sector Facts

A notable recovery has been underway in Oman’s tourism sector since late Q4 2021 with 2.7 million international arrivals at Muscat international Airport in the first nine months of 2022. A 232% increase on the same period in 2021.

During the same period Salalah International Airport welcomed 161,153 international arrivals, up 461% on the same period in 2021.

In September 2022 Oman received 244,744 inbound visitors, an increase of 193% on the same period in 2021. 58.9% of these were from the GCC followed by 22.5% from Asia and 6% from Europe.

From January to October 2022, Oman’s 3 to 5-star hotels accommodated 1.2 million guests, an increase of 32.5% on the same period in 2021.

Muscat International Airport which now serves 38 international carriers.

Oman’s National Tourism Strategy aims to create 500,000+ jobs in the sector by 2040, add an inventory of 80,000 keys, generate US$22.5 billion by 2040 and reach a Social Responsibility Index of 850/1000.Our top 5 non-oil export markets in 2021 were the UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia, India and China.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) will oversee a number of high-profile tourism projects. These include the integrated Sustainable City Yiti,  a 1.5 million m2 waterfront complex; Canal Bay Mussanah, 2 million m2 mixed-use development; 5-star Alila Hinu Bay Hotel in Mirbat, Dhofar; Naseem Hotel in Al Jabal Al Akhdar; 594,000 m2 freehold Hay Al Sharq tourism complex and Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront.

Investments in Oman’s tourism sector will be driven by joint ventures such as the US$12.9 billion new mixed-use development Madinat Al Irfan, a public-private venture between OMRAN and Majid Al Futtaim.

Set in its own integrated precinct, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is a purpose built facility for business tourism.

Sector has a strong focus on luxury, adventure and ecotourism.

New legislation to facilitate tourism and tourism investment, including the introduction of visa-free entry for GCC residents and visa-free entry for stays of up to 14 days for citizens from 103 countries

Talk to Us

Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, PO Box 550, Muscat 100, Sultanate of Oman.

Location
Muscat ,Sultanate of Oman
Call us
+968 80000070
Info@tejarah.gov.om
Business Hours
Sunday - Thursday 7:30am - 2:30pm