Heritage,
Tourism Sectors in Oman Achieve Positive Growth IndicatorsMuscat,
27 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism confirmed during its
annual media briefing held today in Muscat that the Sultanate of 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).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 percent in 2020 to about 2.7 percent by the end of 2024. He added that the
Tenth Five-Year Plan witnessed tourism investments estimated at RO 2.6 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 the Sultanate of Oman welcomed approximately 3.9 million
visitors from around the world by the end of 2025. He emphasized 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 specialized 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 percent completion,
while the visitor center at the Dibba archaeological site in Musandam reached
96 percent. Visitor centers for the Ancient City of Qalhat, as well as the Bat,
Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn sites, reached 40 percent completion. He
noted that Oman ranks first globally in documenting meteorite samples,
possessing 5.6 percent 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.

—Ends/AG