Muscat: Oman’s tourism contribution to the national economy has grown significantly, rising from RO 1.75 billion in 2018 to RO 2.12 billion by the end of 2024—a 3.2 percent growth rate. Additionally, its share in the country’s GDP reached RO 2.7 billion, up from RO 2.3 billion in 2018, reinforcing the sector’s position as a growth engine.
According to His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the increase in visitor numbers, spending, and tourism-related revenues is the result of strategic efforts to position Oman as a rich and diverse tourist destination. These include innovative promotional campaigns, expanded public-private partnerships, and improved tourism products and services tailored to global expectations.
Tourism consumption in 2024 reached RO 1.02 billion, and the direct added value of the sector increased by 5.3 percent to RO 1.09 billion—further emphasizing tourism’s strong links with other key sectors such as transport, retail, and culture.
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Visitor statistics show that of the 3.8 million tourists who arrived in Oman in 2024, 68.2 percent stayed overnight, while 31.8 percent were same-day visitors. Their combined spending amounted to RO 989 million, with an average spend per person of RO 253.8. UAE residents made up over 55 percent of total inbound visitors, followed by Europeans (16 percent) and Asians (13.2 percent), highlighting the effectiveness of Oman’s diversified promotional outreach.
Leisure tourism led the way, representing 70.2 percent of all travel motivations, followed by visits to family and friends (17.9 percent), and shopping (5 percent). Tourists stayed for an average of 5 to 6 nights, totaling around 14.8 million tourist nights in 2024—a testament to the appeal of Oman’s natural, historical, and cultural offerings.
The growing demand for accommodation, particularly in regions like Dhofar, Musandam, and Ad Dakhiliyah, has spurred investment in tourism infrastructure. Several public-private partnership projects are in the pipeline to enhance capacity and service quality across the Sultanate.
Meanwhile, outbound tourism also saw significant activity, with 8.1 million Omani residents traveling abroad and spending RO 1.8 billion in total, averaging RO 218.5 per person. The data underlines the opportunity to redirect part of this spending inward by bolstering domestic tourism offerings.
