Home » Middle East » How visa-free access to 105 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Schengen countries and Gulf countries, is booming Oman’s travel industry?
Sunday, June 23, 2024
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Oman will boost tourism with visa-free entry to 105 countries, welcome more than four million tourists in 2023, boost its GDP and invest in major infrastructure projects.
Oman has taken a major step towards boosting tourism by granting visa-free entry to nationals of 105 countries, including GCC and Schengen countries. This measure has made Oman an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers, contributing to an inflow of over 4 million tourists in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year. This growth has significantly boosted the country's GDP and employment sector. Muscat International Airport, which serves as the hub for Oman Air and Salam Air, has seen significant traffic growth and is of growing importance in the region. The government's Vision 2040 outlines a strategic roadmap for sustainable tourism investments, including new airports and integrated tourism facilities. Oman Air supports this strategy with excellent on-time performance and a diverse fleet, ensuring a reliable travel experience. These synergies have established Oman as a leading global destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief, TTW said, “Oman's decision to grant visa-free entry to nationals of 105 countries, including GCC and Schengen countries, marks a milestone for the country's tourism and business travel sector. This strategic move will not only increase Oman's attractiveness as a travel destination but also establish it as a leading hub for international business ties. Coupled with the government's ambitious Vision 2040, which includes significant investments in infrastructure such as new airports and integrated tourism facilities, Oman will be positioned as a leading global hub. The combined effect of improved accessibility, robust infrastructure development and a vibrant hospitality sector underlines Oman's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable travel and business environment.”
Oman Tourism Growth (2023)
The Sultanate of Oman is expected to welcome more than 4 million tourists in 2023, a 41.2 percent increase from the previous year. Of these tourists, more than 600,000 were Indians and 118,000 were Chinese. Also, 2.1 million people stayed in three- to five-star hotels during the year, with 1.6 million tourists from the GCC countries, of which 610,000 were Indians. Additionally, 231,000 Germans and 150,000 Yemenis visited Oman.
Economic impact and future outlook
The World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Study (EIR) highlights the bright outlook for Oman's travel and tourism sector, predicting significant growth supported by government initiatives. In 2023, the sector's GDP contribution is expected to surge by nearly 35% to reach US$7,281.4 million, surpassing the previous record in 2024. Employment in the sector has grown by 15% and now supports 191,500 jobs across the country. International visitor economic contribution in 2023 is US$2.87 billion, a staggering increase of 69% from 2022, while domestic visitor spending has recovered to US$3.6 billion.
Hospitality Industry Performance
The National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reported that revenues from three- to five-star hotels will increase by 18 percent, reaching 52.38 million rials by the end of February 2024, up from 44.41 million rials in the same period in 2023. Total overnight guest numbers jumped 18.2 percent to a total of 433,856 in February 2024, up from 366,969 in February 2023. Hotel occupancy increased by 11.2 percent. Overnight guests from the Americas totaled 14,829, visitors from Africa increased 9.7 percent to 2,029, visitors from Asia increased 29.5 percent to 54,562, and visitors from Oceania increased 6,347.
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Muscat International Airport (formerly Seeb International Airport) is the main international gateway to Oman. It serves as a hub for Oman Air and low-cost carrier Salam Air, connecting it to a range of regional destinations and offering intercontinental services to Asia, Africa and Europe.
Transportation highlights for 2023
According to Oman's National Center for Statistics and Information, Muscat International Airport experienced significant growth in 2023 compared to 2022.
Passenger numbers: 12.6 million, up 46.7%. Domestic: 1.1 million, up 14.7%. International: 11.5 million, up 50.7%. Aircraft movements: 95,325, up 38.7%. Domestic: 8,533, up 5.1%. International: 86,792, up 43.2%.
Comprehensive airport statistics
According to data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total number of passengers at Muscat International Airport (MCT), Salalah Airport (SLL), Duqm Airport (DQM) and Sohar Airport (OHS) reached 1.4 million, up from 1.16 million in the previous year. Of these, MCT had the highest number of passengers, handling 1.29 million travelers through January 2024, showing a robust growth of 22.7 percent.
Oman Air aircraft
Oman Air boasts a diverse and modern fleet designed to cater to a variety of travel needs and ensure passenger comfort and efficiency. Aircraft include the Airbus A330-300 and A330-200, known for their long-range capabilities and spacious cabins. In addition, Oman Air also operates the Boeing 787-9 and 787-8 Dreamliner, renowned for their fuel efficiency and advanced in-flight amenities. The airline's fleet also includes Boeing 737-8 MAX, 737-900 and 737-800 aircraft, primarily used on short- to medium-haul routes, providing a reliable and comfortable service across its extensive network.
On-time performance
In the ranking of world airlines by on-time arrival rate, Oman Air was named the best airline in the world with an on-time arrival rate of 92.3%, beating other well-known airlines such as Qatar Airways (85.11%) and Saudia (81.29%). Colombia's Avianca rounded out the top 10 with an on-time arrival rate of 86.73%.
Oman Travel and Tourism Market Forecast
In Oman, the travel & tourism market is expected to generate revenue of USD 540 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (2024-2028 CAGR) of 5.52%. This growth is projected to drive the market size to USD 670 million by 2028. The largest segment within this market is the hotel sector, which is expected to achieve a market size of USD 230 million in 2024. By 2028, the number of users in this sector is expected to reach 1.625 million.
Vision 2040 Investment Plan
Oman has announced a $31 billion tourism investment plan under Vision 2040. The tourism industry is a major contributor to Oman's GDP and is aligned with the country's economic diversification strategy. As part of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, Oman's Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Tourism plans to invest $5.9 billion (21.6 billion dirhams) in 360 projects. These projects include tourism-friendly initiatives, infrastructure investments and the development of tourist attractions. Investments will also focus on achieving the country's net-zero emissions target by 2050, as well as protecting cultural heritage and monuments.
Airport expansion
Oman plans to build six new airports, which are expected to begin operations between 2028 and 2029. Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Naif bin Ali Al Aburi said that with the completion of these projects, Oman expects to see a significant increase in airport passenger numbers, reaching 50 million by 2040, from the current 17 million.
Integrated Tourism License
In a bid to boost its economy, Oman has approved 19 comprehensive tourism licenses, signalling its intention to invest the equivalent of US$11.37 billion in the hospitality and real estate sectors. The ambitious plan will lead to the development of large-scale tourism and real estate projects that will introduce over 16,500 hotel rooms and 42,500 residential units across the country. These projects are spread across various regions, including Muscat, Dhofar, South Al Sharqiyah, South Al Batinah and Musandam.
Investment in a tourist complex
Oman's Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Tourism has granted licenses for integrated tourism complexes, including 81 hotel facilities with 16,576 rooms, 2,552 apartment hotels and villas, and 42,617 residential units. The complexes also include golf courses, ports, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Total investment in these projects is estimated at approximately OR4.376 billion ($11.37 billion) for the implemented complexes and OR3.12 billion ($8.1 billion) for other licensed projects in the pre-implementation phase.
List of countries that can visit Oman without a visa:
Kazakhstan Guatemala Lebanon Uzbekistan Mauritania Laos United States Iran Romania Argentina Armenia Thailand Czech Republic Denmark Ireland Panama Moldova Colombia Japan Venezuela Seychelles Finland India French Guiana Lithuania South Africa Serbia Spain Tajikistan Bulgaria Jordan Cyprus France Brazil Suriname Portugal Vatican Uruguay San Marino Netherlands Belarus Bolivia New Zealand Albania Azerbaijan Singapore Maldives Islands Egypt Monaco Turkey Sweden Ukraine Bosnia and Herzegovina Poland Australia Ecuador Bhutan Iceland Malaysia Macedonia Kyrgyzstan Cuba Andorra Germany Costa Rica Belgium Indonesia Greece Malta Vietnam Norway Latvia Turkmenistan Tunisia South Korea Switzerland Brunei Darussalam Nicaragua Chile Liechtenstein Austria Paraguay Canada Slovenia El Salvador Algeria Russia Peru Georgia Estonia Morocco Croatia Luxembourg United Kingdom Slovakia Mexico China (including Hong Kong and Macau) Honduras Italy Hungary
Citizens of GCC countries can enter Oman without a visa. This policy eases travel for residents of these countries and promotes tourism and business opportunities within the region. The list of GCC countries is:
Kingdom of Bahrain State of Kuwait State of Qatar Kingdom of Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates
Conclusion
Oman's strategic initiatives, including visa-free entry for citizens of 105 countries and significant investment in tourism infrastructure, have made the country a top destination for both leisure and business travelers. A significant increase in tourist numbers and economic contributions attests to the success of these initiatives. With the support of Muscat International Airport and Oman Air, Oman is well poised to accommodate growing traffic and provide a world-class travel experience. As Oman continues to implement its Vision 2040, offering a unique combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities and exceptional hospitality, it is poised to achieve unprecedented heights in the global tourism industry.
Top 5 tourist attractions in Oman
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world, it features stunning Islamic architecture, some of the world's largest chandeliers and hand-woven carpets.
The beautiful valley features hiking trails, natural pools and waterfalls, making it a popular spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Historic fortress dating back to the 17th century, known for its huge cylindrical towers and panoramic views of the surrounding oasis and mountains. Jebel Shams
Known as the “Mountain of the Sun”, this mountain is the highest peak in Oman and offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Oman, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Royal Opera House Muscat
Featuring world-class performances and beautiful architecture, it is a cultural landmark that showcases Oman's commitment to the arts.
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