Oman played host to over 3 m tourists in 2018; targets 11 m by 2040

Oman welcomed more than three million tourists last year into the sultanate, of which 1.4 million were GCC citizens, whilst almost 200,000 were cruise ship passengers, said a top official. This comes in line with the Oman Tourism Strategy to welcome 11 million tourists by 2040.

The Ministry of Tourism is placing a stronger emphasis on the recent surge in popularity that Oman has witnessed in order to help increase awareness and promote the country as a key tourism destination – throwing the spotlight on what makes the sultanate a diverse and rich destination at a series of global tourism events and travel fairs.

The number of hotels also grew by 12.3% in 2017-18, resulting in a 7.8% growth in the amount of rooms available in the country. The most resounding growth is the number of Khareef Salalah visitors, which was recorded at 28%, said senior ministry officials on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) expo in Dubai.

Recent industry reports have projected a sustained annual increase in these figures as Oman’s reputation for hospitality, culture and heritage continues to grow, they added.

On the key achievements, Salem Bin Adey Al Mamari, the Director General of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “The recent growth of the tourism sector in the sultanate is very pleasing and is the direct result of sustained campaigns, initiatives and programs by the Ministry to raise the country’s profile and promote investment in the sector.”

“These efforts fall in line with the Oman Tourism Strategy to welcome 11 million tourists by 2040,” he added.

Al Mamari said: “The Ministry maintains key strategic partnerships within both the private and the public sector and this helps us to promote the tourism industry by introducing new and unique attractions, services and promotions.”

“The increase in visitors has also credited to the visa application process, which has been enhanced with the implementation of a new e-visa system that is among the safest in the world. Under the new platform, the entire process keeps pace with technical advancements through a simplified approach in obtaining visas. Furthermore, the strategic expansion and renovation of Muscat International Airport has increased capacity to accommodate the increase of visitors in the country,” he added.

The Omani tourism officials had earlier revealed that 31 new hotels, motels and resorts were scheduled to open this year, thus boosting the hospitality sector’s portfolio with more than 3,260 rooms.

Already a total of 595 apartments, 13 green lodges, 18 guest houses and two Heritage House projects are currently in development stage.