Oman aims to implement a total of 363 tourism projects by public and private sector investors by 2025. The investment volume is expected to be between 5.3 and 7 billion euros, according to the Sultanate’s Ministry of Tourism. .
Salim Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the hospitality industry is one of the potential sectors to achieve economic diversification.
The Minister pointed out that integrated tourist complexes represent the largest volume of investment in the sector. No less than 12 integrated resorts with an investment value of OMR 3.9 billion are currently under development.
According to the ministry, twelve “integrated tourist complexes” are currently under construction in Oman
These include Al Mouj District, Barr Al Jissah Resort, Mandarin Oriental Muscat, Al Diyar Ras Al Hadd Resort, Salalah Beach Resort, a major development in the coastal town of Yiti and projects in Mirbat, Jebel Sifah and Blue City. Preparations are already underway for another set of integrated tourist resorts in Muscat, Musandam and Al Sharqiya South regions, according to the ministry. In addition, a botanical garden near the capital Muscat and a number of projects on the islands of Hallaniyat and Daymaniyat are to be promoted.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, a total of 124 hotel projects with a total investment value of 326 million euros have been implemented over the past two years. According to authorities, smaller accommodation is also being promoted – from hotel apartments to guesthouses, some of which are opening their doors to guests in restored traditional houses. This segment would have a total investment value of 112 million euros.
A target of 2.5 million visitors
In the first 11 months of 2022, the number of visitors arriving in the country reached 2.5 million, according to data from the National Center for Statistics and Information. This is expected to reach 2019 figures (3.5 million) by 2024, according to Said Harib Al Obidani, director general of tourism development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
