The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman has launched a comprehensive strategy to position Oman as a premier global travel destination.
This initiative aims to enhance the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy through targeted campaigns, strategic partnerships, and a series of international events.
As part of its 2025 tourism strategy, MHT has scheduled an extensive series of roadshows in key international markets to showcase Oman’s diverse attractions.
The campaign will commence in Egypt from February 16 to 18, followed by India from March 24 to 27. Subsequent roadshows are planned for the Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, GCC countries, and Southeast Asia, concluding in November.
Oman will also participate in prominent global travel fairs, including Fitur in Spain, ITB Berlin, MITT in Russia, Seatrade in the USA, and ATM in the UAE. These platforms will serve to highlight Oman’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and renowned hospitality to a global audience of travellers and industry professionals.
MHT’s strategy is aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040, focusing on sustainable tourism development and economic diversification. The ministry aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP from 2.4% in 2021 to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040.
To achieve these targets, Oman plans to attract investments totalling approximately OMR 3 billion by 2025, encompassing over 440 diversified projects across various governorates.
The ministry also projects an increase in hotel capacity, targeting over 33,000 rooms by the end of 2025, to accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists. This expansion is expected to elevate the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to OMR 920 million, representing 2.75% to 3% of GDP by 2025.
To facilitate travel, Oman has introduced a ten-day visa-free entry for citizens of over 100 countries, simplifying access for international tourists. Additionally, the ministry is investing in infrastructure and services to enhance the visitor experience, including the development of integrated tourism complexes and heritage sites.
MHT is encouraging local tourism businesses to register with the Oman Tourism Hub, a platform designed to facilitate participation in promotional initiatives and events.
This approach aims to empower small and medium enterprises and integrate local communities into the tourism value chain, ensuring that the benefits of tourism development are widely distributed.
Oman’s strategy emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, aiming to balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources. By focusing on luxury, nature, and adventure tourism, Oman seeks to attract high-value tourists while maintaining the integrity of its environment and cultural sites.
Through this multifaceted approach, Oman is poised to strengthen its global presence as a distinctive and sustainable travel destination, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic diversification and cultural preservation efforts.
