Tourist arrivals in Oman surpassed the pre-pandemic level of 2.5 million in 2019, reaching 2.9 million in 2022.
A report published by the international company BMI, indicates that from January to May 2023, Oman reported 1,548,630 visitors, an increase of 95.1% compared to the same period last year. According to BMI analysis, 3.5 million international tourists are expected to visit Oman in 2023, an annual increase of 20.8% compared to 2022. A plan is planned to ensure the number of tourists increases.
A target of 11 million tourists by 2040
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has unveiled an ambitious plan to increase tourist numbers to 11 million by 2040, marking a significant step forward towards Oman’s Vision 2040. The strategy includes tapping into the Russian market alongside other key sources. markets, notably India and China. Clearly, these countries are coveted!
Qassim al Busaidi, MHT undersecretary for tourism, presented details of the plan in an interview
“The tourism and heritage sector is the cornerstone of Oman’s Vision 2040, with concerted efforts to propel substantial investments in the coming years in varied areas,” he said.
Qassim al Busaidi highlighted Oman’s focus on the Russian market, in addition to European, Indian, Chinese and regional markets, to boost tourist arrivals. “Oman’s rich tapestry of attractions, from pristine beaches to historical and cultural monuments, is a major draw for Russian tourists, among others,” he said.
A greater contribution of tourism to GDP
To achieve these objectives, MHT is implementing targeted strategies to boost tourism activities within the sultanate. The aim is to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP from a modest 2.4% in 2021 to an ambitious 5% by 2030, ultimately reaching 10% by 2040.
Oman would like to attract more Russian tourists
The sultanate actively engages with Russian tourists through promotional campaigns and by forming alliances with Russian travel agencies. At the same time, it streamlines travel for Russian citizens by offering them visa-free entry for 30 days, a move that underlines Oman’s commitment to facilitating and fostering the growth of international tourism.
We will regret the condemnation of Israel and not that of Hamas
The Sultanate of Oman expressed, on Saturday, November 4, its strong condemnation of the massacres and continued war crimes committed by the Israeli occupying forces against the Palestinian people and attacks against civilians and health establishments.
He highlighted the international legitimacy resolutions and Oman’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue, calling for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian territories up to the 1967 borders and allowing the Palestinian people to establish its independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the principle of the two-State solution and based on international law.
On the other hand, no word on the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas against Israel on Saturday October 7 in the morning. Numerous videos are circulating on social networks, showing massacres and abuses perpetrated against civilians.
