Surge in Cruise Tourism: What Over 137,000 Visitors in 2025 Mean for Oman’s Business Opportunities
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) reported that in 2025, a total of 137,330 tourists arrived in the Sultanate of Oman via cruise ships and yachts.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to facilitating the arrival of international cruise liners and attracting tourists from key markets to promote Oman as a premier maritime destination in the region.
For the 2025/2026 cruise season, the ship Vasco da Gama is set to return, arriving at Salalah Port on March 24, 2026. Additionally, the cruise ship Celestial will make five visits to Khasab. The Aroya will make its inaugural visit to Khasab Port on February 22, 2026, followed by an arrival at Port Sultan Qaboos on February 23, 2026. During the season, Aroya is expected to make eleven visits to Khasab and five to Port Sultan Qaboos.
The Ministry is actively developing policies and strategic plans aimed at enhancing the sector in collaboration with relevant authorities. This includes modernizing and upgrading facilities at seaports. A consulting firm has been engaged to prepare a comprehensive strategic study for the cruise ship and yacht sector, with objectives to strengthen the sector’s role within Oman’s economic diversification priorities. The study involves a detailed assessment of the current regulatory, operational, and competitive environment, along with crafting a clear vision and implementation roadmap for the future.
Among ongoing initiatives led by the consulting firm are the development of the port and marina system, boosting operational efficiency, improving collaboration between involved entities, increasing the economic benefits of cruise visits, and launching joint incentive programs with public and private sector partners to bolster Omani ports as key regional hubs for cruise and yacht tourism.
In response to global shifts in the cruise industry—including changes in operations and route reallocations by some shipping lines—the Ministry is diversifying and modernizing its approaches to attract cruise ships. Expanding the range of target markets is a key strategy to reduce dependence on a limited number of sources, thereby enhancing the sector’s resilience and sustainability.
The Ministry is also exploring alternatives and strengthening direct engagement with international cruise companies to maintain the inclusion of Omani ports on their itineraries. Efforts are underway to develop competitive incentives and improve the visitor experience at ports, aligning with global trends in the industry.
A strategic partnership with major cruise operators remains a priority, highlighted by the continued inclusion of Omani ports in TUI Cruises’ itineraries. TUI Cruises holds a leading position in the European market, especially among German travelers, who represent a significant source of cruise tourism.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s strategic focus on enhancing its cruise ship and yacht sector presents significant opportunities for economic diversification and tourism growth, especially with targeted infrastructure upgrades and expanded market reach. Businesses and investors should consider capitalizing on the modernization of port facilities and the strengthening of partnerships with major cruise operators to tap into increasing maritime tourism flows and rising international visitor numbers. Smart entrepreneurs must also monitor evolving cruise industry dynamics to innovate service offerings that elevate the Omani visitor experience and boost the sector’s resilience.
