In Salalah, the winter season draws a distinct group of visitors to Dhofar, highlighting a shift in tourism patterns compared to the region’s busy Khareef period. Tour guide Khulood al Shukaili noted that European travelers, particularly from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy, form the majority of her clientele during the cooler months. She estimates that Europeans constitute about 90 percent of her winter visitors, although this figure pertains specifically to her business rather than reflecting the entire Dhofar tourism market.
These visitors typically stay for about a week, with some extending their trips to explore areas beyond the usual tourist spots. Their interests center on nature, adventure, and cultural experiences, favoring activities such as mountain and wadi walks, beach excursions, visits to frankincense sites, sampling Omani cuisine, and trips into the Empty Quarter desert. According to al Shukaili, many European tourists are struck by the variety of landscapes within short distances, including mountains, wadis, beaches, desert, and frankincense groves.
The appeal of the winter season for these travelers also lies in the region’s tranquility, safety, and the warmth of Omani hospitality, as well as what they perceive as the authentic character of Dhofar. This contrasts with the Khareef season, during which Gulf visitors predominate and tend to seek family-oriented activities, dining, and social venues. European tourists, by comparison, are more inclined toward exploration, nature, adventure, and immersive cultural engagement.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s latest data for the 2024/25 season indicates the broader economic significance of European visitors to Oman. The charter flight season brought approximately 93,000 passengers across 588 flights, generating an estimated 30 million Omani Rials in revenue from accommodation, transport, and excursions nationwide. Poland led among charter nations, followed by the Czech Republic and Italy. However, the figures do not specify data exclusive to Dhofar.
Beyond arrival figures, local tourism operators emphasize the importance of activities undertaken post-arrival. Transportation and excursions, both vital components of the tourism economy, directly engage service providers outside of hotel accommodations. Al Shukaili highlighted opportunities for expanding tourism offerings through organized hiking trails, camping, eco-tourism, adventure sports, and curated cultural experiences focused on frankincense and Omani heritage. Enhancing the diversity of activities, she suggested, could encourage longer stays and foster repeat visits, fueling Dhofar’s evolving winter tourism sector.