Muscat – The 2024 Economic Impact Research of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)  has unveiled a promising future for Oman’s travel and tourism sector. With strong government support and strategic initiatives, the sector is poised to not only recover but show unprecedented growth this year.

In 2023, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP surged almost 35%, totalling RO2.8bn, on track to surpass previous records. The sector witnessed robust job growth of 15%, now employing 191,500 individuals nationwide.

The global tourism body is forecasting the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than RO3.3bn in 2024 – or 7.6% of the country’s economy – and employ more than 206,000 individuals across the country, with one in 14 people working in the sector.

Last year, international visitors injected RO1.1bn into the economy, a remarkable 69% increase from 2022, while spending by domestic travellers rebounded to RO1.4bn.

Domestic visitor spending is predicted to continue growing, to reach RO1.5bn, beating the 2019 level by just over 8%. Although international visitor spending is forecast to still be behind 2019 levels by RO142.3mn, it is expected to continue growing through 2024.

WTTC is forecasting the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to RO5.4bn by 2034 – 9.8% of Oman’s economy – and employ more than 265,600 people across the country, with one in 13 residents working in the sector.

Oman as a premier destination

Oman’s status as a top tourist destination in the Middle East is clearer than ever, thanks to strategic government investment and support.

These efforts are not only rejuvenating the economy but also setting the stage for further increases in international travel spending and overall economic contribution from the sector.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said, “Oman’s travel and tourism sector is on the cusp of a historic revival in 2024. The Oman Government has strong support for travel and tourism and is aiming to achieve unprecedented economic growth and job creation.”

According to Dr Hashil al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, the significant growth of Oman’s travel and tourism industry demonstrates the robust support of Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman Investment Authority, and their commitment to realising the industry’s potential through strategic enablers and developments across the country.

“As Oman’s master developer for sustainable tourism destinations and innovative urban communities, we strive towards contributing to these promising prospects and remain committed to responsible tourism development and promoting Oman as a premier travel destination through our ‘Visit Oman’ brand and digital distribution solutions, with the ultimate goal of fostering Oman’s socio-economic growth,” Mahrouqi said.