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.