Khareef Tourism Boosts Hotel Occupancy to Record Levels: What Investors and Hoteliers Need to Know in Oman
SALALAH: Hotels and hospitality providers across Dhofar Governorate are experiencing unprecedented occupancy levels during the 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season, fueled by favorable weather conditions, improved infrastructure, and growing regional interest.
Industry sources report that hotel bookings in Salalah and neighboring wilayats have exceeded 90 percent since mid-July. Family resorts, boutique guesthouses, and furnished apartments are fully booked on weekends and public holidays.
A rise in domestic travel, enhanced air connectivity, and targeted marketing campaigns across the Gulf region have all contributed to this surge in tourism.
The Khareef season, which generally lasts from late June to early September, continues to attract a steady flow of visitors from across Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
“Compared to last year, we are witnessing a significant increase in both the length of stay and per-guest spending,” stated an executive from a prominent four-star hotel in Salalah. “Families are arriving earlier and staying longer, with strong demand for suites and sea-view rooms.”
The heightened demand has also extended to alternative accommodations such as serviced apartments, home rentals, and eco-lodges, especially around Ittin, Al Mughsail, and the Dhofar highlands. Mobile platforms offering short-term stays have reported record bookings and listings. Said al Maashani, owner of a family-run mountain lodge, noted, “Visitors seek comfort and closeness to nature. We’re fully booked through the end of August.”
This hospitality surge has had a positive ripple effect on related sectors including car rentals, dining, tour guiding, and outdoor leisure businesses.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism attributes the season’s strong performance to proactive planning, vigorous promotion, and significant infrastructure upgrades. Salalah Airport has increased domestic and regional flights, while road enhancements have improved access to popular tourist destinations. Officials also emphasized the alignment of Khareef 2025 with the long-term goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The unprecedented hospitality surge in Dhofar during Khareef 2025 signals a transformative growth phase for Oman’s tourism sector, driven by enhanced infrastructure and robust regional interest. For businesses, this creates a prime opportunity to expand offerings in diverse accommodations and related services like dining and leisure, while investors should consider strategic ventures in transport, eco-tourism, and digital booking platforms to capitalize on sustained demand and government-backed development aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
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