3 days ago
Tourism revenue contributes RO2.12bn to Oman economy
Muscat – Oman's tourism sector contributed RO2.12bn to the national economy in 2024, up from RO1.75bn in 2018, marking a growth of 21%, according to new data from National Centre for Statistics and Information. The sector's contribution to the GDP rose to RO2.7bn, up from RO2.3bn in 2018, highlighting tourism's growing role in the sultanate's economic diversification drive.
Total tourism consumption increased to RO1.02bn in 2024, compared to RO960mn in 2018, while direct value added from tourism rose 36.4% to RO1.09bn, compared to RO799.7mn in 2018. 'This demonstrates the strong interconnectedness between tourism and other economic sectors, such as transport, hospitality, retail and culture,' the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated.
Oman welcomed around 3.8mn visitors during the year. Of these, 68.2% were overnight visitors while 31.8% were same-day travellers. Total visitor spending reached RO989mn, with per capita expenditure averaging RO253.8. The average length of stay was between five to six nights, accounting for 14.8mn tourist nights.
More than half the visitors were from the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the importance of the Gulf market. European travellers made up 16% of the total and 13.2% came from Asian countries, indicating the effectiveness of the ministry's overseas campaigns and partnerships.
Leisure tourism accounted for 70.2% of visits, followed by visits to family and friends – 17.9% – and shopping – 5%.
H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the improved figures reflect ongoing government support for economic diversification, stronger public-private collaboration, and targeted efforts to position Oman as a leading destination in the region. He noted the ministry's focus on expanding tourism products, enhancing service quality and developing infrastructure in key governorates.
Hotel demand rose in governorates such as Dhofar, Musandam and Dakhliyah, spurring investor interest and reinforcing the role of tourism in regional development. Ongoing projects and partnerships are expected to further increase accommodation capacity and service quality.
The minister also stressed the importance of integrating local communities in tourism initiatives and raising the share of Omanis in the workforce.
Meanwhile, 8.1mn outbound travellers from Oman spent RO1.8bn abroad in 2024, with average per capita spending at RO218.5. 'The figure signals growing domestic purchasing power and the potential to develop internal tourism offers to retain more spending within the country,' the ministry added.
