The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism confirmed during its annual media briefing held in Muscat that Oman’s tourism sector continues to achieve rapid growth and positive results.
These figures reflect
the effectiveness of approved policies and programs, as well as the sector's
growing role in supporting economic diversification and increasing its
contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reported ONA.
Sayyid Ibrahim Said Al
Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, stated that this event comes within
the framework of supporting the heritage and tourism sectors as key pillars of
economic diversification policies.
He noted that the
tourism sector's contribution to the GDP rose from approximately 1.6 per cent
in 2020 to about 2.7 per cent by the end of 2024.
He added that the
Tenth Five-Year Plan witnessed tourism investments estimated at RO 2.6 billion
($6.7 billion) upon the completion of all stages within the current plan.
This is in addition to
ongoing investments in more than 12 Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs),
enhancing Oman’s attractiveness as a premier destination for tourism and
investment.
In the field of
heritage, the Minister pointed out that qualitative achievements included the
inclusion of five cultural sites on the World Heritage List and seven cultural
and natural sites on the Tentative List.
Furthermore, several
historical monuments were restored, and 50 scientific publications were issued
documenting Oman’s civilizational contributions.
Azzan Qasim Al
Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism,
reported that Oman welcomed approximately 3.9 million visitors from around the
world by the end of 2025.
He emphasised that the
significant diversity in source markets reflects the success of efforts to
avoid reliance on specific traditional markets.
Promotional efforts
implemented by the Ministry contributed to direct promotional returns exceeding
RO 69.8 million, in addition to recording more than 325,000 hotel nights during
2025.
The Undersecretary
highlighted progress in developing specialised tourism patterns, including
cruise ships, charter flights, adventure tourism, wedding tourism, culinary
arts, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
He noted that by the
end of November 2025, 71 cruise ships visited Oman carrying 112,556 passengers,
generating a financial impact of over RO 2.363 million.
He also noted that 15
Integrated Tourism Complexes were licensed between 2020 and 2025 with a total
value of RO 2.8 billion, alongside 533 approvals for hotel establishments
providing 7,923 hotel rooms.
Eng. Ibrahim Said Al
Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage,
detailed qualitative achievements in preserving Omani cultural heritage from
2021 to 2025.
Key projects include
the Oman Cultural Heritage Registry, which features a smartphone application, a
website, and an integrated database of cultural properties.
He added that efforts
also included documenting 90 historical landmarks using 3D virtual tour
technology and completing over 100 restoration projects for castles, forts, and
monuments.
Regarding
international and regional projects, the restoration of the House of Wonders in
Zanzibar reached 55 per cent completion, while the visitor centre at the Dibba
archaeological site in Musandam reached 96 per cent.
Visitor centres for
the Ancient City of Qalhat, as well as the Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn sites,
reached 40 per cent completion.
He noted that Oman ranks first globally in
documenting meteorite samples, possessing 5.6 per cent of the world's known
meteorites with over 7,000 pieces.
He added that detailed drawings for the
Maritime History Museum are underway, and construction tender documents are
being prepared for the Natural History Museum.
Furthermore, 22 private museums and
heritage houses were licensed in 2025.
Construction has also begun on the Wadi
Dawkah visitor center in Dhofar, with an expected completion in the third
quarter of 2027 at a cost of RO 3 million.
