Oman tourism tops $3bn on stronger demand

Monday, April 27, 2026

Oman’s tourism consumption reached 1.18 billion rials ($3.06 billion) in 2025, an 11.6 percent increase from the previous year, with direct tourism GDP and associated services also showing notable growth. This expansion underscores tourism’s rising role in Oman’s Vision 2040 economic diversification strategy, as the sector becomes a key driver for sustainable development beyond hydrocarbons.

Oman’s tourism sector demonstrated significant growth in 2025, with total tourism consumption reaching 1.18 billion Omani rials ($3.06 billion), marking an 11.6 percent increase from approximately 1.08 billion rials in 2024, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. This growth reflects stronger demand and highlights the sector’s expanding role in the country’s economic diversification efforts.

The country’s direct tourism gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.7 percent to 1.14 billion rials in 2025, compared to 1.09 billion rials the previous year. Gross value added from tourism increased by 4 percent to 1.11 billion rials, up from 1.06 billion rials in 2024, while total tourism output reached 2.28 billion rials, a 7.8 percent rise from 2.12 billion rials the prior year.

Oman continues to position tourism as a cornerstone of its Vision 2040 strategy, aiming to reduce economic reliance on hydrocarbons by developing the sector as a sustainable growth engine attractive to investors. The industry draws on the country’s cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and opportunities for adventure tourism to broaden its appeal.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, direct tourism GDP registered 330 million rials, nearly unchanged from 331 million rials in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Tourism’s overall contribution to GDP remained steady at around 3 percent.

Breaking down the sector’s performance, accommodation services saw the strongest growth, surging 17 percent to 252.1 million rials by year-end. Other services within tourism grew by 18 percent to 197.9 million rials, while restaurant services increased by 3.5 percent to 198.9 million rials. Transport services posted a modest gain of 1.1 percent to 196.5 million rials. Conversely, travel and booking agencies experienced a decline of 12.2 percent, falling to 242.7 million rials.

At constant prices, which adjust for inflation, direct tourism GDP rose by 5.7 percent to 1.15 billion rials, and gross value added from tourism grew 6.5 percent to 1.09 billion rials. Total tourism output at constant prices was recorded at 2.17 billion rials by the end of 2025, an increase of 5.5 percent from the previous year.

These figures underscore the growing importance of the tourism sector as Oman advances its economic diversification plan, reflecting both robust demand and evolving consumer preferences within a shifting economic landscape.