Oman is anticipated to welcome 3.5 million international visitors in 2023, as stated in a report by BMI, an organization affiliated with the esteemed international rating agency Fitch. This number reflects an increase from the 2.9 million tourists recorded in 2022. The report further highlights that the medium-term period from 2023 to 2027 is expected to witness an average annual growth rate of 7.4% in the number of tourists visiting Oman. This growth is driven by the continuous demand for leisure and commercial tourism, supported by high oil prices that foster domestic investments.
In line with this positive trajectory, a separate report from Forward Keys, a leading global authority in travel data and analytics, reveals a substantial surge of 126.7% in the number of international flights arriving in Oman between January 1 and June 25. This increase serves as a testament to the rising influx of inbound tourists. These international reports affirm the comprehensive plan of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to achieve an annual arrival target of 11 million visitors by 2040. The plan encompasses the development of new tourism and heritage projects, which contribute to an overall increase in investments within the sector.
The BMI report forecasts a consistent growth pattern for Oman’s tourism industry, extending beyond 2027. This positive outlook supports the long-term prospects of economic diversification and aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The concerted efforts made by Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, are reflected in the support provided to the tourism sector through infrastructure investments.
According to the BMI report, the Middle East region is expected to be the largest contributor of tourists to Oman in 2023, with an estimated arrival of 1.5 million visitors. This will be followed by tourists from the Asia-Pacific region (606,390), Europe (320,600), the US (72,800), and Africa (72,000). The report further mentions the ongoing implementation of various tourism projects, including several adventure tourism initiatives scheduled for completion by 2025-2026, in addition to other major projects. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the strong government backing, ambitious growth targets, and the natural allure of the Sultanate of Oman, which boasts exceptional temperatures in various regions during the summer. The country offers a wide array of options for adventure enthusiasts, eco-tourism enthusiasts, and marine sports enthusiasts alike. Oman’s three international airports, including the Muscat International Airport with an annual passenger capacity of 12 million, along with its deep-sea ports capable of accommodating diverse cruise ships, further contribute to its attractiveness as a tourist destination.