According to the latest government figures, Oman’s tourist industry increased its contribution to the national economy from 1.75 billion rials in 2018 to over 2.12 billion rials (USD 5.51 billion) in 2024.
The industry’s position as a crucial pillar in the sultanate’s economic diversification policy is further supported by the most recent data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, which shows that this increase represents a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%.
The Oman News Agency stated that the industry’s share of the GDP increased from 2.3 billion rials in 2018 to 2.7 billion rials in 2019, highlighting the growing macroeconomic influence of tourism.
According to NCSI data issued last July, European tourists greatly helped Oman’s tourism industry in 2024, contributing to a 10.2% increase in hotel revenues during the first five months of 2025.
Strong domestic and regional demand, as well as the nation’s increasing appeal to European travellers, are indicative of its larger plan to diversify its tourism industry and support the hospitality sector, which is consistent with similar activities in other Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
ONA claimed that the increase in tourist arrivals, spending, and economic value is the outcome of the ministry’s concentrated and ambitious efforts to market Oman as a rich and varied travel destination, said Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim bin Mohammed Al-Mahrouqi.
“The government’s economic diversification policies and efficient interagency coordination, which encourage investment and quicken project execution, are demonstrated by the most recent indicators,” he continued.
Al-Mahrouqi further added that in order to improve the overall experience of tourists, the ministry keeps implementing creative marketing techniques, fortifying alliances with the business sector, and creating new products.
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Economy’s 2025 economic prognosis, the sultanate’s economy is expected to increase by 2.2% in 2025, up from 1.7% the year before, helped by a recovery in oil activity and stable expansion in the non-oil sector.
Inflation is projected to rise modestly to 1.3%, up from 0.6% in 2024. Still, it will remain within the target range of Oman’s 10th five-year plan, aided by continued government subsidies and stable global commodity prices.
The government noted that GDP will rise from 38.3 billion rials in 2024 to 39.2 billion rials in 2025 at constant prices. While non-oil sectors are predicted to rise by 2.7% in 2024, oil activities are anticipated to recover with 1.3% growth following a 3% contraction.
According to ONA, medium-term momentum is anticipated to last through 2026 and 2027, supported by strategic initiatives and increased oil output.