Hotels in Oman classified within the three- to five-star category experienced a decline in guest nights during the first nine months of 2026, according to data released by the National Information Center. Guest nights fell to 171.1 million Omani Rials (OMR) by the end of September, marking an 11.7% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Despite the decline in guest nights, the occupancy rate for these hotels rose to 52.7% in September 2026, up from 46.5% in the previous year, suggesting increased utilization of available rooms. Interestingly, the number of guest arrivals increased by 10.4%, indicating that although more visitors came to Oman, they stayed for shorter durations or in smaller groups.

The visitor composition showed mixed trends. Nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remained a significant segment of hotel guests, though their numbers decreased relative to 2025. The data did not specify changes in other categories of visitors, but it signals continuing challenges for the tourism sector in balancing guest origin markets.

Officials and industry stakeholders acknowledge these fluctuations as part of broader efforts to diversify tourism offerings and improve hospitality services. Strategic initiatives aim to attract a wider range of visitors and promote sustainable growth in the hospitality sector amid evolving market conditions.

The reported figures highlight ongoing work to position Oman’s tourism industry for future expansion, despite short-term setbacks reflected in the recent decline in guest nights.