Boosting Oman’s Economy: How RO 15 Million in Business Tourism Revenue Impacts Your Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT: In 2025, the Sultanate of Oman generated approximately RO 15 million from incentive and meetings tourism, highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy. This growth was primarily fueled by an increase in corporate meetings and incentive travel, with over 100 groups hosted throughout the year, alongside a notable rise in regional and international conferences.
Since the beginning of 2025, Oman has successfully hosted 24 conferences, reflecting ongoing efforts to establish the country as a competitive destination for business events. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism considers this segment a strategic pillar essential for enhancing Oman’s global tourism profile and supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Khaled bin Waleed al Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, reported that the Ministry attracted and coordinated several significant international and regional conferences in 2024. Among these were the International Conference of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which attracted 2,300 participants and generated RO 1.86 million, and the Middle East and Africa Council of Ophthalmology Conference, which produced RO 1.2 million in economic returns.
Oman also welcomed substantial incentive groups from international markets, including 1,600 visitors from Italy, who contributed RO 2 million, and an additional group of 1,400 visitors that produced RO 420,000. Al Zadjali emphasized that the economic impact of incentive and conference tourism is often three to five times greater than that of traditional tourism, as business travelers tend to spend more on accommodations, transport, and specialized services.
He outlined that this tourism segment necessitates extensive logistical support, including conference venues, hospitality services, and event management, leading to broader economic benefits across multiple sectors such as healthcare, energy, and knowledge-based industries. The Ministry collaborates closely with various public and private partners, including the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
Additionally, the Ministry is investing in capacity-building initiatives for tourism professionals and promoting Oman in key international markets through global exhibitions, targeted workshops, and partnerships with hotel groups. With growing infrastructure and a commitment to distributing events across various governorates, incentive and meetings tourism is anticipated to play an increasingly vital role in Oman’s diversified growth strategy. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s incentive and meetings tourism is set to become a significant engine of economic growth, generating around RO 15 million in 2025 and showcasing the country’s potential as a premier business events destination. This growth not only opens up new opportunities for investors in logistics, hospitality, and event management but also poses risks as competition escalates among regional players. Smart entrepreneurs should focus on enhancing service delivery and building strategic partnerships, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to effectively tap into this lucrative sector.
