Oman’s tourism industry closed 2025 on a high note, showcasing significant gains across hotel occupancy, guest arrivals, and hospitality revenue. A steady influx of international travelers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania has played a pivotal role in reviving and expanding the country’s hotel sector. With guest numbers in premium hotel categories rising by over 10%, and hotel revenues seeing a 21.4% jump, Oman has firmly positioned itself as a destination on the rise in the global travel map.
Visitor Numbers Surge Across Key Markets
According to recent tourism data, the number of guests staying in three- to five-star hotels in Oman reached 2.14 million by the end of November 2025. This reflects a solid 10.9% increase from 1.93 million during the same period in 2024. The positive momentum is powered by growing demand from both domestic and international markets.
Omani nationals contributed 791,286 stays, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. GCC visitors—vital to Oman’s regional travel market—also saw an upswing of 7.4%, reaching nearly 196,000 guests. While arrivals from other Arab countries dipped slightly by 1.6%, other international segments showed exceptional growth.
European tourists led the surge, with a 23% rise totaling over 574,000 guests. Visitors from the Americas rose by 29.5%, followed by a strong 10% increase from Asia. Oceania, although smaller in volume, recorded the highest percentage growth at 35.5%, highlighting Oman’s increasing appeal to long-haul travellers.
African arrivals also played a part in the tourism uplift, with a notable 19.3% increase. These figures suggest a widespread and diversified interest in Oman’s cultural, coastal, and adventure tourism offerings.
Hotel Revenue and Occupancy Rates Reflect Strong Demand
The financial indicators mirror the surge in guest numbers. Classified hotels in Oman generated OMR 257.9 million in revenue by November 2025—up from OMR 212.4 million during the same period in 2024. This 21.4% increase highlights the growing profitability of Oman’s hospitality sector.
Hotel occupancy rates rose from 48.6% in 2024 to 55.4% in 2025, showcasing improved demand management, enhanced marketing strategies, and possibly a longer average length of stay. The shift suggests that hotels are not just attracting more guests, but retaining them longer through improved guest experiences and facilities.
Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Opportunities
Oman’s impressive hotel performance comes amid broader investments in tourism infrastructure and experience-driven travel. The country continues to build on its Vision 2040 goals to diversify the economy and develop sustainable tourism.
Luxury resorts, eco-lodges, cultural heritage sites, and adventure tourism in places like Jebel Akhdar, Salalah, and Musandam are drawing a new wave of experiential travellers. Oman’s focus on responsible tourism, natural conservation, and cultural authenticity positions it favorably in a competitive global market.
With rising international arrivals and strong hotel revenues, Oman presents a compelling case for investment in hospitality, tour operations, transport services, and destination marketing.
Market Trends: What’s Driving the Growth?
Several global travel trends align with Oman’s tourism performance in 2025:
- Authentic experiences: Travelers from Europe, the Americas, and Oceania increasingly seek destinations that offer culture, history, and nature—areas where Oman excels.
- Safety and stability: Oman’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination continues to appeal to cautious travelers post-pandemic.
- Luxury and heritage travel: The country’s blend of modern luxury resorts and heritage-rich experiences appeals to upper-mid and high-end travel markets.
- Eco and adventure tourism: With its deserts, mountains, and pristine coastline, Oman is becoming a haven for hikers, divers, and nature lovers.
Strategic Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
As Oman enters 2026, the hospitality sector is poised for continued expansion. With a foundation of strong visitor growth and hotel profitability, the industry has ample opportunity to diversify and scale up.
Areas of focus for stakeholders include:
- Improving digital infrastructure to support seamless booking, payments, and guest engagement.
- Expanding mid-range and boutique hotel options to cater to a wider traveler demographic.
- Investing in staff training and hospitality standards to maintain high service levels across growing properties.
- Sustainable tourism development, ensuring that natural and cultural assets are protected as tourist numbers grow.
Government support, private-sector partnerships, and international collaborations will be key to unlocking Oman’s full tourism potential.
Conclusion: Oman’s Tourism Industry Rises with Resilience
The figures from 2025 speak volumes—Oman is not only recovering from global travel challenges, but thriving in a competitive tourism landscape. With international visitors arriving in larger numbers and staying longer, the country is reaping the rewards of its strategic investments in tourism infrastructure and experience-based travel.
From desert landscapes and ancient forts to five-star hotels and untouched beaches, Oman offers something unique for every type of traveler. With momentum building and confidence growing, 2026 could be the most transformative year yet for Oman’s tourism and hotel industry.
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