MICE Tourism in Oman: How RO 16 Million Revenue Boosts Opportunities for High-Spending Business Delegates
MUSCAT: Oman’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector is generating an estimated RO 16 million in economic returns, with conference delegates spending three to five times more than average leisure tourists, according to a recent tourism sector presentation.
These figures underscore the government’s strategic focus on expanding “high-value” tourism segments that bolster hotels, aviation, transportation, and event management services, while also helping to balance seasonal fluctuations through consistent business travel demand throughout the year.
The Oman Convention Bureau, established in March 2016, is responsible for promoting Oman as a premier destination for business events and advancing the sector’s growth by attracting international conferences and incentive groups.
Among the examples presented, the ELEAD incentive group from China, comprising approximately 1,600 participants, contributed around RO 3.31 million in economic return, with logistical support costs estimated at RO 8,000.
Similarly, the Mutika incentive group from Italy, which included about 750 participants, generated an estimated RO 450,000 in economic impact, supported by logistics expenses of roughly RO 9,000.
On the conference front, the Middle East and Africa Council of Ophthalmology event, with around 2,300 attendees, received facilitation support valued at RO 46,000 and yielded an economic return of about RO 1.86 million.
The presentation also highlighted the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) international conference, which attracted approximately 2,500 participants. This event was supported by logistical facilitation costs estimated at RO 75,000 and generated around RO 2.1 million in economic return.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s growing MICE sector, generating RO 16 million in economic returns, presents a strategic opportunity for businesses in hospitality, transportation, and event management to capitalize on high-spending, year-round business travelers. Smart investors should consider expanding infrastructure and services tailored to international conferences and incentive groups to leverage sustained economic benefits while mitigating seasonal tourism fluctuations.
