Oman welcomes 668,000 visitors in 2 months
Reflects growing confidence in country's tourism potential
Published: 07:04 PM,Apr 05,2025 | EDITED : 11:04 PM,Apr 05,2025
The ministry is working to attract new markets through promotional campaigns.
MUSCAT: At a time when global tourism recovery is accelerating, the Sultanate of Oman has demonstrated remarkable performance at the beginning of this year, registering more than 668,205 visitors by the end of February 2025, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). This figure is not merely a statistical indicator, but it reflects a strategic shift Oman is undergoing in the tourism sector, as part of its ambitious vision to enhance economic diversification and reduce dependence on oil.
According to the data, Emiratis, Indians and Germans topped the list of visitors, with 158,586 Emiratis, followed by Indians with 83,621, and Germans with 42,318. This diversity of nationalities is attributed to several factors, including improved air connectivity, extensive promotional campaigns, a stable general environment and a developed tourism infrastructure.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism also confirmed that the figures recorded in the first two months of the year reflect growing confidence in Oman's tourism potential, and confirm the success of the ministry's promotional and investment efforts in cooperation with the private sector. These efforts aim to achieve sustainable growth that reflects the authentic Omani identity and serves the national economy.
The figures recorded in early 2025 certainly represent a strong boost for the Omani economy, especially in light of the growing contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product (GDP), and the high occupancy rates of hotels and tourist facilities. According to economic reports, every 100,000 visitors generate direct and indirect revenues estimated at millions of rials, through spending on accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and recreational and cultural activities.
Dr Khalid al Rashdi, Professor of Tourism Economics, pointed out that the economic impact is not limited to numbers, but extends to enhancing job opportunities and stimulating small and medium enterprises.
He said, 'The increase in visitor numbers creates interconnected economic opportunities, as the market for traditional crafts, transportation, and local cuisine thrives - sectors that rely largely on national cadres.'
Over the past few years, Oman has succeeded in building a distinctive tourism image based on natural and cultural diversity, combining mountains, beaches and deserts, along with heritage sites and Unesco-listed sites. Many destinations, such as Al Jabal al Akhdhar, Musandam, Sur and Dhofar have been developed to meet the aspirations of various visitor segments, from adventure-seekers to those seeking tranquillity and relaxation.
The stability of the legislative environment and logistical services, along with the development of land and airports, have facilitated tourist movement. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism indicated that Oman is working to facilitate procedures and expand international partnerships. The ministry added that it is working to attract new markets through cooperation with airlines and global travel platforms, and a significant increase in the number of flights coming from Europe and Asia has been observed. The goal is to keep Oman on the map of preferred destinations in the region.
The Sultanate of Oman also seeks to achieve strategic objectives within Oman Vision 2040 and to increase the contribution of tourism to approximately 10 per cent of the gross domestic product. These goals are realistic given the ongoing progress on infrastructure projects, such as Madinat Al Irfan, tourist ports and airport expansion.
Preliminary indicators for 2025 indicate that the Sultanate of Oman is on the right track towards establishing itself as a major tourism destination in the region, leveraging a unique combination of natural, cultural, and strategic assets. With the continued development of the sector and enhanced global exposure, Oman appears to have a historic opportunity to redefine the role of tourism in shaping the national economy.
According to the data, Emiratis, Indians and Germans topped the list of visitors, with 158,586 Emiratis, followed by Indians with 83,621, and Germans with 42,318. This diversity of nationalities is attributed to several factors, including improved air connectivity, extensive promotional campaigns, a stable general environment and a developed tourism infrastructure.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism also confirmed that the figures recorded in the first two months of the year reflect growing confidence in Oman's tourism potential, and confirm the success of the ministry's promotional and investment efforts in cooperation with the private sector. These efforts aim to achieve sustainable growth that reflects the authentic Omani identity and serves the national economy.
The figures recorded in early 2025 certainly represent a strong boost for the Omani economy, especially in light of the growing contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product (GDP), and the high occupancy rates of hotels and tourist facilities. According to economic reports, every 100,000 visitors generate direct and indirect revenues estimated at millions of rials, through spending on accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and recreational and cultural activities.
Dr Khalid al Rashdi, Professor of Tourism Economics, pointed out that the economic impact is not limited to numbers, but extends to enhancing job opportunities and stimulating small and medium enterprises.
He said, 'The increase in visitor numbers creates interconnected economic opportunities, as the market for traditional crafts, transportation, and local cuisine thrives - sectors that rely largely on national cadres.'
Over the past few years, Oman has succeeded in building a distinctive tourism image based on natural and cultural diversity, combining mountains, beaches and deserts, along with heritage sites and Unesco-listed sites. Many destinations, such as Al Jabal al Akhdhar, Musandam, Sur and Dhofar have been developed to meet the aspirations of various visitor segments, from adventure-seekers to those seeking tranquillity and relaxation.
The stability of the legislative environment and logistical services, along with the development of land and airports, have facilitated tourist movement. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism indicated that Oman is working to facilitate procedures and expand international partnerships. The ministry added that it is working to attract new markets through cooperation with airlines and global travel platforms, and a significant increase in the number of flights coming from Europe and Asia has been observed. The goal is to keep Oman on the map of preferred destinations in the region.
The Sultanate of Oman also seeks to achieve strategic objectives within Oman Vision 2040 and to increase the contribution of tourism to approximately 10 per cent of the gross domestic product. These goals are realistic given the ongoing progress on infrastructure projects, such as Madinat Al Irfan, tourist ports and airport expansion.
Preliminary indicators for 2025 indicate that the Sultanate of Oman is on the right track towards establishing itself as a major tourism destination in the region, leveraging a unique combination of natural, cultural, and strategic assets. With the continued development of the sector and enhanced global exposure, Oman appears to have a historic opportunity to redefine the role of tourism in shaping the national economy.