If you’ve been watching Oman’s tourism scene lately, you probably noticed something pretty wild happening. People are coming in big numbers and they’re not holding back on comfort either. According to the latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), revenue from Oman’s 3 to 5-star hotels hit a whopping $284 million by the end of April 2025. That’s no small feat and yeah, it’s got a lot of folks talking.
Now here’s the real kicker—the number of visitors went up by 8.6% compared to last year. That’s a clear sign that Oman isn’t just quietly growing anymore. It’s becoming a must visit destination.
So, Why the Sudden Tourism Surge?
Honestly, it’s not all that surprising if you’ve been paying attention. Oman’s been working steadily behind the scenes upgrading infrastructure, promoting eco-tourism and even simplifying visa rules. And it’s clearly paying off.
Visitors Want Comfort—And They’re Paying for It
You know what’s interesting? People aren’t just coming and roughing it out in budget spots. Nope. They’re picking 3 to 5-star hotels, and they’re happy to splash some cash for that extra comfort. These hotels are offering top-notch amenities like pools, spas, rooftop restaurants and desert-view balconies.
And it’s not just the capital. Places like Salalah, Nizwa and Sur are catching up fast, offering cozy boutique hotels and international chains that are catering to tourists who want luxury but also some authentic Omani charm.
$284 Million? That’s Huge for Oman’s Hospitality Sector
Let’s take a second to break this down. That $284 million revenue isn’t just a big number—it’s a big message. It means Oman’s hospitality industry is growing and it’s growing the right way. They’re not rushing to fill rooms with low-cost deals. Instead, they’re focusing on quality over quantity.
This growth helps everyone—from hotel owners and tour guides to local restaurants and even small shops selling souvenirs. When tourists spend, that money moves through the whole economy.
A Peek at Who’s Visiting
From what we’ve seen in the data (and yeah, from chats with travel agents we know), there’s a mixed crowd flying in. Europeans, Gulf residents and more recently, South Asian travellers are showing up in larger numbers. What’s cool is that a lot of them are first-timers—and many plan to return.
And get this—some visitors are choosing Oman over Dubai because they’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Middle Eastern experience. No skyscrapers, no massive crowds. Just clean beaches, epic mountains and that beautiful Omani hospitality.
What’s Driving Hotel Revenue Up?
Well, apart from the rise in visitor numbers, there’s been a shift in traveller mindset. People aren’t just visiting for quick layovers or business anymore. They’re staying longer i.e. 3, 5, even 7 days—especially during the cooler months.
Also, Oman has been hosting more international events, conferences and cultural festivals. That’s pulled in business travellers too and you know how it goes—business folks often book the fancier rooms.
Oh, and let’s not forget the tourism board’s strong push on social media and international partnerships. All those Instagram reels showing off Wadi Shab and Jebel Akhdar? Yep, they’re doing the trick.
What’s Next for Oman’s Tourism?
If you ask me, this is just the beginning. Oman still has tons of untapped potential. We’re going to see more eco-resorts popping up, desert glamping experiences and probably some major global hotel brands setting up shop in under-explored regions.
Plus, with the government’s Vision 2040 plans in motion, tourism is one of the top priority sectors. So we’d bet good money we’ll see more investments, better infrastructure, and probably a few more billion-dirham hotel launches in the next few years.
Good Times Ahead
We’ve been in the business setup space in the Gulf for a while now and honestly, Oman is starting to feel like the new frontier. The tourism numbers, hotel revenue and overall vibe all point to one thing it’s the right time to be part of Oman’s hospitality story.
Whether you’re a tourist, a travel agency, or even an investor thinking about dipping your toes into the hotel game, this is the moment. Oman’s not just open for business it’s rolling out the red carpet.