Oman (Washington News) – Oman’s tourism is rapidly
growing under Vision 2040, driven by RO 2.6 billion investments, sustainable
development, and rising visitor numbers, positioning the sector as a key driver
of economic diversification.
As Omanobserver News reported, Oman’s tourism sector is
showing steady progress, according to figures released by the Ministry of
Heritage and Tourism. The sector contributed 2.7% to the national GDP in 2024,
and early data from the first quarter indicate the same level will continue
into 2025. This marks a clear increase from the 1.6% recorded in 2020 and 2021,
when global travel was heavily affected, and from 2.0% in 2022 as tourism
activity began to recover.
The government has outlined clear targets for the coming
years, aiming to raise tourism’s share of GDP to 3.5% by 2030 and 5.3% by 2040.
Current projections estimate total tourism output at RO 2.1 billion, while
direct tourism value added is expected to reach RO 1.1 billion, confirming the
sector’s expanding role in the wider economy.
What is driving Oman’s tourism growth with 3.9 million
visitors and RO 2.6 billion investment?
Officials have stated that tourism development is the key to
the sustained growth of Oman and will be responsible for significant
investments during the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) to the tune of RO
2.6 billion. Additionally, Oman has 1,022 Hotels with a total of 35,331
available hotel rooms; thus, increasing the total capacity of Oman’s Hotels.
A significant share of new projects is concentrated in
Integrated Tourism Complexes, which bring together hotels, residential units,
and leisure facilities. Muscat Governorate remains the main hub with 17
complexes, while Dhofar Governorate hosts 5. Other regions are also part of the
expansion, including Al Batinah South with 4 complexes, Al Sharqiyah South with
3, Musandam with 2, and Al Batinah North with 1. This wider distribution of
projects is intended to support tourism growth and economic activity across
multiple regions.
Officials mentioned that visitor numbers underline the
strong performance of Oman’s tourism sector, supported by both international
and local travel. The Sultanate is estimated to have received 3.9 million
inbound visitors in 2024, with international tourism spending reaching RO 989
million. Domestic tourism also remained robust, as 13.6 million local visitors
travelled within the country and generated RO 834 million in expenditure.
Seasonal travel continued to boost demand, particularly in
Dhofar Governorate, where the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 attracted 1.07 million
visitors. Across all accommodation categories, the total number of guests
reached 4.4 million.
Improved connectivity and ongoing investment have supported
this growth as Oman advances its Vision 2040 agenda. During the 2024/2025
period, the country recorded 588 charter flights, increasing direct access and
strengthening links with key European markets. This rise in connectivity,
alongside expanded hotel capacity and a wider range of tourism offerings, has
helped the sector approach room supply targets while surpassing visitor
forecasts.
With more than RO 2.6 billion in planned tourism
investments, much of it focused on Integrated Tourism Complexes, Oman continues
to build a tourism sector aimed at long-term stability and economic
diversification.
