Oman Tourism Consumption Surges 11.6% Amid Steady Sector Growth

JEDDAH: Oman’s tourism consumption increased by 11.6 percent to 1.18 billion Omani rials ($3.06 billion) in 2025, up from about 1.08 billion rials in 2024, pointing to stronger demand in the sector, official data showed. 

The Sultanate’s direct tourism gross domestic product rose by 3.7 percent to 1.14 billion rials in 2025, compared with 1.09 billion rials in the previous year, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, carried by the Oman News Agency. 

Oman’s tourism sector is becoming a key pillar of the country’s economic diversification agenda. Long associated with its cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and adventure tourism, the industry is now being positioned as a central component of Oman Vision 2040. 

“The gross direct value added from tourism rose to 1.11 billion rials, up from 1.06 billion rials a year earlier, reflecting a 4 percent increase over the period,” ONA reported, adding that total tourism output climbed to 2.28 billion rials by the end of 2025, compared with 2.12 billion rials in 2024, a rise of 7.8 percent. 

As the Sultanate reduces its reliance on hydrocarbons, tourism is being developed into a sustainable growth sector with increasing appeal for investors. 

In the fourth quarter of 2025, direct tourism GDP stood at 330 million rials, compared with 331 million rials in the same quarter of 2024, while tourism’s contribution to GDP remained at 3 percent. 

At the sectoral level, accommodation services recorded the strongest growth among tourism activities, rising 17 percent to 252.1 million rials by the end of December. 

Other services increased by 18 percent to 197.9 million rials, while restaurant services grew by 3.5 percent to 198.9 million rials, and transport services edged up by 1.1 percent to 196.5 million rials. In contrast, travel and booking agencies declined by 12.2 percent to 242.7 million rials. 

At constant prices, direct tourism GDP rose by 5.7 percent to 1.15 billion rials by the end of 2025, compared with 1.09 billion rials a year earlier, while gross value added from tourism increased by 6.5 percent to 1.09 billion rials. 

“The report indicated that total tourism output at constant prices reached 2.17 billion rials by the end of December 2025, marking a 5.5 percent increase,” ONA reported, adding that total tourism consumption stood at 1.18 billion rials, up 11.6 percent compared with the same period in 2024.