Oman’s Winter Tourism Surge: A Gateway to Adventure, Culture, and Global Appeal

Published on December 6, 2025

Oman is experiencing a shift in its tourism landscape, with the winter months emerging as a prime time for travellers seeking a unique blend of adventure, culture, and serene weather. With its mild climate, diverse landscapes, and rich heritage, Oman is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for winter tourism. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has launched a bold winter campaign, “Experience Our Winter,” to showcase the Sultanate’s top destinations, such as Muscat, Salalah, and Al Dakhiliyah, with the goal of attracting tourists from Europe, Asia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. As the country prepares for the 2025/26 winter season, the tourism sector is poised to see a significant rise in international visitors.

The Power of Oman’s Winter Climate

Oman’s winter season is fast becoming a key factor in boosting its tourism numbers. As the temperature drops in many parts of the world, Oman offers a welcome respite with its mild and pleasant weather. Ideal for outdoor activities like desert safaris, mountain trekking, and exploring the country’s vast coastline, the winter months make Oman an appealing choice for travellers who seek an escape from colder climates. This seasonal climate shift gives visitors the opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures without the scorching heat that characterises its summer months. Oman’s mountains, wadis, and coastal landscapes provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable winter vacation.

Strategic Campaigns Driving International Awareness

To capitalise on this potential, MHT has launched an extensive digital and offline campaign to promote Oman as a winter destination. The “Experience Our Winter” campaign leverages multiple platforms, including social media, digital billboards, radio spots, and video promotions, to spread the word about Oman’s winter offerings. The campaign aims to highlight Oman’s diverse landscapes, from the vast deserts of Wahiba Sands to the lush greenery of Jebel Akhdar. It also promotes the country’s rich heritage, including ancient forts, souqs, and cities such as Nizwa and Muscat, where visitors can dive into the country’s history and culture.

This digital outreach has targeted tourists from GCC countries, Europe, and Asia, where travellers are increasingly looking for less conventional winter holiday destinations. MHT’s initiative includes partnerships with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that will help bolster Oman’s tourism economy and bring in new visitors. The collaboration with these businesses ensures that the benefits of tourism are distributed more widely across the country, from big cities to smaller, lesser-known regions.

Boosting Events and Attractions

Oman’s winter season is packed with events that serve to attract tourists, create local job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. Major festivals like the Muscat Festival, which celebrates Oman’s arts, culture, and heritage, along with sporting events such as the Muscat Marathon and the Tour of Oman, are central to the country’s winter tourism appeal. Other events, including the Ironman competition, the Bashayer Camel Festival, and desert marathons, offer unique experiences that draw both locals and international visitors.

These events not only provide entertainment but also generate substantial economic returns. Reports indicate that some festivals and activities have attracted tens of thousands of visitors and generated millions of rials in revenue. This is crucial for Oman’s tourism sector, as it supports local businesses, provides temporary employment, and contributes to the growth of Oman’s hospitality industry.

Growth in Cruise Tourism and Charter Flights

In addition to land tourism, Oman’s cruise industry is seeing a boost, with the arrival of international cruise liners in Salalah marking a major milestone for the country. This is part of Oman’s broader strategy to develop maritime tourism and strengthen its appeal as a cruise and yacht destination. With ports being upgraded to handle the increasing number of international cruise ships, Oman is positioning itself as an attractive stopover for cruise passengers, who can explore its coastal beauty and cultural sites.

Oman’s charter flight market is also flourishing. In 2025, Oman welcomed a surge of chartered flights, with over 93,000 tourists arriving by air. This growth has been supported by increased interest from European markets, including Russia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. As the number of chartered flights continues to rise, Oman’s tourism sector is expected to see even greater international visitation, with many more flights scheduled for the winter months. MHT anticipates that this influx will generate over US$100 million in tourism revenue by the end of the winter season.

What This Means for Tourists and the Tourism Industry

For travellers, Oman’s winter offerings represent a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Visitors can hike the rugged peaks of Jebel Shams, explore the mystical caves of Al Hoota, or relax on the pristine beaches of Salalah. Oman’s ancient forts and vibrant souqs offer a glimpse into its rich history and heritage, while modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay for tourists.

For local businesses and tourism operators, this winter season presents an opportunity for growth. With an influx of international tourists, there will be increased demand for guided tours, transportation services, accommodation, and other tourism-related offerings. The successful promotion of Oman as a winter destination has the potential to reshape its tourism sector, making it an all-year-round destination, as opposed to one that is only popular during its cooler months.

Looking to the Future

With its rich cultural experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming climate, Oman is fast becoming a prime destination for winter travel. MHT’s targeted marketing campaigns, the growth of cruise tourism, and the increased interest in charter flights are all contributing to the country’s emergence as a top choice for global travellers. As Oman continues to strengthen its tourism offerings, the Sultanate is poised for sustained growth in the coming years, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking something extraordinary.