MUSCAT : According to officials, the sector has continued its upward trajectory this year, with 24 international and regional conferences attracted since the beginning of 2025.

These achievements reflect the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to strengthen business tourism as a key pillar of national economic diversification and to support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Khalid bin Walid Al-Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the Sultanate successfully attracted and coordinated several major conferences in 2024, laying the groundwork for the sector’s continued growth. Among them was the International Conference of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which drew 2,300 participants and generated an economic return of RO 1.86 million, and the Middle East and Africa Council of Ophthalmology Conference, which yielded RO 1.2 million.

He added that Oman also hosted major incentive groups from global markets, including an Italian group of 1,600 tourists that generated around RO 2 million, and another group of 1,400 tourists that contributed RO 420,000 to the local economy.

Al-Zadjali noted that incentive and conference tourism delivers an economic impact three to five times higher than other tourism segments, as business travellers typically opt for premium accommodation, transport and hospitality services, while also driving demand for conference venues, logistics, event management and skilled personnel. He stressed that the benefits extend across multiple sectors, including healthcare, energy and knowledge-based industries, while also contributing to skills development and the exchange of expertise.

He highlighted the close coordination between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and partner entities, including the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, academic institutions and the private sector, to streamline procedures and promote Oman as a competitive events destination.

The Ministry, he said, is investing in capacity building within the tourism sector, strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, and intensifying international promotion through participation in specialised global exhibitions, workshops in target markets such as Russia, Germany and Spain, and engagement with international conference and summit associations. Oman also hosts familiarisation visits for global event organisers and forges partnerships that have delivered tangible results.

On infrastructure readiness, Al-Zadjali affirmed that ongoing expansion across the tourism sector will support rising demand. He said incentive and conference tourism is a strategic priority under Vision 2040, with efforts underway to attract events beyond Muscat to governorates such as Dhofar, particularly outside the Khareef season, and Al Dakhiliyah, which has become a popular incentive tourism hub.

He concluded that Oman’s competitive edge lies in its unique mix of natural diversity, political stability and modern facilities, led by the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside high-quality hotels, cultural authenticity, a strategic geographic location and ease of travel.

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