Oman plans 9,600 hotel rooms by 2030

Oman is set to open 9,600 hotel rooms by 2030 as the country’s hospitality sector enters a new era, according to new insight and analysis from Cavendish Maxwell.

The report said that the upcoming keys will boost Oman’s existing inventory of 36,000 rooms by more than 25 percent, revenues will rise to RO141.2 million – up 18% year-on-year, and hotel jobs by nearly 5% to 10,800 employees.

Khalil al Zadjali, head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Oman’s hospitality sector is entering a new era, driven by population growth, evolving travel patterns and strategic Government investment. H1 2025 recorded impressive increases in visitors, hotel bookings, revenues, room rates, and employment, and we expect this trend to continue in the second half of the year and beyond.

“Oman’s population grew by 4.5% last year and 5% in 2023, with similar increases predicted through the decade. Domestic travel has risen in line with population growth, with Omanis taking longer trips and spending more per visit. While Gulf visitors still account for more than 25% of arrivals into the country, the number of visitors from further afield, including Europe, India, and China, is increasing. With tourism expected to contribute 5% to GDP by 2030 – and 10% by 2040 – the sector is set to overtake transport and logistics to become the second most important industry in Oman after hydrocarbons.

“To keep pace, Oman needs to continue to rejuvenate the hotel sector, build new hotels and resorts, and diversify tourism beyond Muscat, creating significant opportunities for investment, development, and construction across the country,” added Al Zadjali.