Muscat: The number of cruise passengers to the Sultanate of Oman has been growing over the past three years.
It grew from 28 cruise ship visits with 16,588 tourists in 2021 to 85,092 tourists from 81 ship visits in 2022 and 321,012 tourists from 202 visits in 2023.
It is reported that an average cruise tourist spends RO 40-70 per visit.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) signed a cooperation programme with the Cruise Arabia alliance to attract international companies operating cruise ships to the Sultanate of Oman.
Cruise passengers also contribute to the national economy through various types of fees, including docking fees at ports, businesses for taxi operators, tour companies, and small and medium enterprises.
MoHT has been conducting a study with an international company on the readiness of ports to receive more cruise ships and private yachts.
The arrival of large cruise ships at the Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ), including two that docked at the same time on some occasions, gives a bustling feel to the iconic Muttrah Waterfront area, which is home to the souq, fish market, and the fort among others.
A large number of tourists from the shops visit the local restaurants and souvenir shops.
"Unlike in the past, today's tourists are much younger and they do end up spending some money outside their tour packages," a local restaurant operator said.
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