Oman Incentive and Conference Tourism Sector Sees Strong Growth in this Year, Generating More than Ten Million RO in its Economic Returns and Driving Sustainable Tourism Development

Published on December 21, 2025

The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry in Oman registered remarkable growth in the year 2025, contributing a predicted return value of RO15 million to the country. This allows the country to welcome more than 100 incentive, meeting, as well as conference groups, as well as increasing numbers of both regional as well as international conferences, solidifying its position as a major player in the MICE market across the worldwide realm. Developing its business tourist industry, as a high-value impact industry, is a key objective aligned with the idea of Vision 2040.

Oman’s Growing Appeal for International and Regional Conferences

In 2025, Oman successfully hosted 24 conferences, showcasing its capability to attract both international and regional gatherings. One of the standout events was the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ World Congress 2024, which drew approximately 2,300 participants and generated an estimated RO1.86 million in economic returns. Similarly, the 2024 Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology conference in Muscat resulted in RO1.2 million in economic returns, further emphasizing Oman’s growing stature in the global conference landscape.

The rise in incentive travel also contributed significantly to the sector’s success. Large groups from global markets, such as an Italian incentive group of 1,600 visitors, generated about RO2 million, while another group of 1,400 visitors contributed RO420,000 in returns.

The Economic Impact of MICE Tourism

Zadjali highlighted the economic benefits of the MICE tourism segment, explaining that meetings and incentive tourism typically deliver three to five times higher economic returns than other forms of tourism. Business travelers tend to spend more on accommodation, transport, hospitality, logistics, and event services, making MICE tourism a key driver of economic growth across multiple sectors.

The sectors benefiting from these events are diverse, with conferences touching upon industries such as healthcare, energy, and knowledge industries. The Oman Convention Bureau has been working closely with various government bodies and private sector partners, including the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, and hotels, to streamline the process of attracting these high-value events.

Promoting Oman as a Leading MICE Destination

Oman’s tourism promotion efforts include participating in specialized international MICE events, organizing targeted workshops in key markets like Russia, Germany, and Spain, and hosting familiarization visits for international conference organizers. These efforts are helping to position Oman as a preferred destination for global business events.

Partnerships with hotel groups and event organizers have also produced measurable results, expanding Oman’s reach and visibility in the international MICE market. Oman’s ability to host large-scale conferences, combined with its growing reputation as a international business destination, has contributed to a growing demand for its unique blend of modern facilities and rich cultural heritage.

Expanding MICE Tourism Beyond Muscat

One of the key trends in Oman’s MICE tourism growth is the increasing attraction of governorates beyond Muscat, particularly Dhofar and Dakhliyah. These regions are becoming important players in Oman’s MICE sector, with Dhofar hosting conferences even outside the popular khareef season. This shift is contributing to balanced regional development, helping to spread the benefits of MICE tourism more widely across the country.

The Future Impact: Oman’s Role as a Competitive MICE Destination

Oman’s stability, accessibility, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes continue to enhance its appeal as a competitive MICE destination. As Oman continues to develop its MICE infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the country is set to become a key player in the global business tourism market.

In the future, Oman’s MICE sector is expected to contribute even more significantly to the country’s economic diversification, supporting long-term tourism development. With Vision 2040 guiding the nation’s growth, the expansion of Oman’s MICE tourism will play a critical role in both the national economy and the development of local industries, while also reinforcing Oman’s position as a hub for international business events in the region.

Future Tourism Impact: Catalyzing Regional Growth and Sustainable Development

The growth of MICE tourism in Oman is not only a boon for the country’s tourism sector but also has a future impact on regional growth and sustainable development. As Oman’s tourism infrastructure continues to expand, regions like Dhofar and Dakhliyah are expected to see significant benefits from increased MICE activity, creating new job opportunities, fostering local business growth, and supporting community development.

Additionally, the increased demand for MICE events will encourage further investments in green tourism and sustainable practices, aligning with Oman’s broader goals of fostering economic growth without compromising its natural and cultural resources. This will ensure that Oman’s MICE tourism continues to thrive in a sustainable, inclusive, and economically beneficial manner in the years to come.

A Bright Future for MICE Tourism in Oman

The trend of growth exhibited by the incentive and conference tourism sector in Oman remains positive, encouraged by effective partnerships and the right strategies for sustainability and diversification. The identification of Oman as one of the top MICE destinations in 2025 forms the foundation of future involvement of the country in the tourism sector. As the Sultanate of Oman progresses into Vision 2040, its increasing stakes in international conferences and incentives will play an important part in the economic development of the country and set the stage for similar future success in the international MICE market.