Oman Tourism Growth Hits New Heights in 2025: Expanding Infrastructure, Rising Revenues, and Global Recognition

Published on November 25, 2025

The Sultanate of Oman’s heritage and tourism sectors have shown impressive performance during the first nine months of 2025, aligning with the goals and development plans set out by Vision 2040. This growth is underscored by the sector’s direct added value reaching RO873 million and the total tourism output hitting about RO1.99 billion. With tourism contributing 2.7 percent to Oman’s gross domestic product (GDP), this sector has proven to be a cornerstone of the country’s non-oil economy. The ongoing development and strategic initiatives are supporting this upward trend, positioning Oman as a competitive and dynamic player in the global tourism market.

Impressive Revenue Growth in Oman’s Tourism Industry

The growth in Oman’s tourism sector is reflected in several key indicators. Hotel revenues reached RO293.4 million, which marks a 6.1 percent increase from the previous year. This boost is attributed to improved occupancy rates and a diversification of tourism programs offered throughout the country.

The number of visitors arriving in Oman reached 2.83 million by the end of September 2025, though this reflects a 2.4 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. However, local visitors grew significantly, with a 5.1 percent increase, reaching a total of 13.6 million. This highlights the growing popularity of domestic tourism and the success of local events and festivals that continue to draw residents to different regions of the country.

Rising Confidence in Oman’s Tourism Services

The hospitality sector in Oman continues to attract tourists, with hotel guest numbers reaching 4.6 million, a 4.6 percent increase from last year. This steady rise in visitors reinforces the continued confidence that both international and domestic tourists have in the quality of tourism services and the modern infrastructure available in Oman.

The efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to improve infrastructure and services have clearly paid off, creating a tourism environment that is both appealing and accessible to a wide range of travelers. The ministry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience has contributed to the growing confidence in the country’s tourism offerings.

Strengthening Oman’s Global Tourism Presence

As part of its strategy to increase its presence on the global tourism map, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has opened new offices in key international markets such as China, Russia, and Spain. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to engage with targeted tourism markets. Furthermore, Oman is working to open a tourism representation office in countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. By the end of 2025, Oman will have 11 tourism representation offices across the globe, which will carry out marketing campaigns in 25 countries with the aim of expanding its tourism footprint.

These efforts have resulted in direct economic returns exceeding RO30 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of international outreach and promotional activities in boosting Oman’s tourism sector. These efforts are crucial in positioning Oman as a destination of choice for international travelers, offering them a rich cultural experience and a welcoming environment.

Participation in Global Tourism Exhibitions

In addition to opening new representation offices, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has also participated in over 20 international exhibitions and tourism events. These exhibitions provide a platform for Omani tourism institutions to connect with their international counterparts, showcasing the country’s offerings to a broader audience.

Oman’s pavilion in these exhibitions has received awards for best design, recognized for combining authenticity with modernity. The pavilion’s design effectively reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating modern technology to highlight Oman’s tourism experiences. This mix of tradition and modernity, complemented by the use of digital screens and interactive displays, has helped create a dynamic, engaging experience for visitors to Oman’s exhibition stand.

Expanding Cruise and Charter Tourism

The Sultanate of Oman has also made strides in the cruise ship and charter voyage sector. Due to the promotional programs aimed at revitalizing these types of tourism, Oman has made significant advancements in developing ports designated for cruise ships, improving their infrastructure and facilities. These efforts are helping to attract more cruise tourists to the region.

The number of charter flights has increased in the 2024-2025 season, with 588 flights compared to 466 flights in the previous season. As a result, 93,000 tourists arrived through charter flights, generating an economic return of approximately US$80 million, which includes accommodation fees, transportation, and other tourist activities. These efforts are helping Oman diversify its tourism base, attract new markets, and generate significant revenue for the economy.

Ongoing Investment in Hotel and Accommodation Development

The number of hotel establishments in Oman reached 1,309 by the end of September 2025, compared to 1,022 establishments last year. The number of hotel rooms also saw a growth rate of 7.9 percent, increasing to 38,000 rooms. This growth is a positive sign of the continued investment in the hospitality sector, providing more options for visitors to stay and further boosting Oman’s tourism capacity.

The country is also witnessing an expansion in accommodation projects, with 383 preliminary approvals issued for new projects. 114 of these projects are expected to open between 2025 and 2027, reflecting a significant increase in investments in the tourism infrastructure. The total volume of investments in integrated tourism complexes has surpassed RO11.5 billion, reinforcing investor confidence in Oman’s tourism sector.

Workforce Development and Omanization

The tourism sector in Oman continues to be a major employer, with 169,800 workers employed in the sector by the end of September 2025. The Omanization rate in the sector has increased to 10.9 percent, up from 10.1 percent last year. This increase highlights the Ministry’s focus on providing employment opportunities for Omani nationals in the tourism industry, fostering local talent and contributing to the overall growth of the sector.

Preserving Oman’s Heritage

In addition to fostering growth in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism remains committed to preserving Oman’s historical sites and national heritage. The number of registered historical and archaeological sites has reached 3,655, including castles, forts, mosques, and heritage houses. By the end of September 2025, 1,328 sites had been restored, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural history is preserved for future generations.

The ministry is also working on preparing a comprehensive file to include the archaeological sites of Basya and Salut in the World Heritage List, alongside the already registered Omani sites. This continued focus on cultural preservation plays a key role in Oman’s tourism strategy, as the country offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Oman’s Tourism Sector

Oman’s tourism sector has shown robust growth in 2025, supported by strategic investments, successful promotional campaigns, and ongoing development in infrastructure and services. The expansion of accommodation options, the growth of cruise and charter tourism, and the government’s emphasis on preserving cultural heritage contribute to Oman’s increasing appeal as a global tourist destination.

As the country continues to strengthen its position in the international tourism market, it remains focused on providing accessible, high-quality tourism experiences for visitors. The ministry’s ongoing efforts to diversify tourism offerings and develop inclusive infrastructure will ensure that Oman remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. With these efforts, Oman’s tourism sector is well-positioned to continue growing and contributing significantly to the national economy.