Oman Tourism Surges with 3.9 Million Visitors: What This Growth Means for Investors and Business Owners
MUSCAT: Oman’s tourism sector is showing robust recovery and continuous growth, highlighting its increasingly significant role in the nation’s development.
Recent estimates for 2025 reveal that international tourist arrivals have reached approximately 3.9 million, exceeding the 3.5 million recorded in 2019. This surge reflects renewed global confidence in Oman as a competitive destination both regionally and internationally, underscoring the sector’s resilience in overcoming global challenges.
This positive trend aligns closely with the government’s strategic initiatives to boost tourism’s contribution to the national economy. Efforts such as infrastructure development, targeted investment incentives, and the diversification of tourism offerings—anchored in Oman’s rich environmental and cultural heritage—are positioning tourism as a core pillar of economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
A Ministry of Heritage and Tourism official attributed the growth in international visitors to increasing global trust in Oman’s tourism products. He emphasized that this progress results from coordinated efforts between government bodies and the private sector aimed at delivering a high-quality, sustainable tourism experience that values quality over quantity.
The ministry is currently focused on expanding source markets and promoting cultural, heritage, and nature-based tourism segments to further enhance the sector.
Domestic tourism is also experiencing strong momentum, with projections indicating nearly 14 million domestic tourist trips in 2025. This reflects heightened public engagement with local destinations and improved services across Oman’s governorates. Seasonal events, national initiatives, and promotional campaigns have significantly contributed to stimulating internal travel and boosting local economic activity.
The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that domestic tourism has become a vital driver for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Increased tourism within the governorates has generated both direct and indirect employment opportunities, especially in accommodation, transportation, hospitality, and traditional crafts. The Chamber emphasized that strengthening domestic tourism ensures a more balanced distribution of economic benefits and supports grassroots development.
Investor confidence is also rising. Salim bin Nasser al Harthy, a tourism investor from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, remarked that increased domestic travel has encouraged local investors to expand accommodation facilities, restaurants, and complementary services. He stated, “Enhanced tourism infrastructure and diversified events have improved occupancy rates and reinforced the economic viability of tourism projects,” adding that tourism is increasingly recognized as a stable and sustainable investment avenue.
Beyond visitor numbers, tourism continues to stimulate interconnected sectors such as aviation, land transport, hospitality, food services, and cultural industries. This multiplier effect enhances overall economic value and supports efforts to reduce reliance on traditional revenue streams.
From an economic perspective, Dr Khalid bin Hamad bin Abdullah al Rawahi, an economic analyst, highlighted that the focus must now shift to qualitative growth. “The challenge is not merely increasing tourist arrivals but raising per capita spending, extending average length of stay, and developing competitive, high-value tourism products,” he explained. He also noted that Oman’s strong position in sustainable tourism aligns well with global demand trends and the country’s environmental commitments.
Experts agree that sustaining this momentum requires stronger coordination among stakeholders, ongoing investment in national talent, and continuous enhancement of service standards. Ensuring a safe, seamless, and culturally authentic tourism experience is crucial to meeting the expectations of both domestic and international visitors.
With tourism numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels and domestic travel on the rise, Oman’s tourism sector is firmly establishing itself as a key contributor to economic diversification and local development, thereby strengthening the Sultanate’s position on the global tourism map.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s tourism sector’s steady recovery and growth, surpassing pre-pandemic international arrivals, presents robust opportunities for businesses and investors in accommodation, hospitality, and cultural tourism segments. The strong momentum in domestic tourism lowers risks by diversifying revenue streams and stimulates SME development across regions, calling for smart investors to prioritize high-value, sustainable tourism products and enhanced service quality aligned with Oman Vision 2040 for long-term competitive advantage.
