Muscat – Oman’s hospitality industry experienced noteworthy growth in 2024, with the total revenue from 3- to 5-star hotels reaching RO243.4mn by December, a 6.2% increase from RO229.3mn in 2023, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The rise in revenues was supported by a 3.6% increase in hotel guests, totalling 2,145,579 compared to 2,071,169 in 2023. Occupancy rates also improved, growing by 2.1% during the same period.

Domestic tourism played a vital role in the sector’s growth, with Omani guests increasing by 4.5% to 804,291. Gulf tourists also contributed significantly, accounting for 198,535 of total guests. Other Arab visitors reached 103,034, reflecting a notable 10.3% rise from the previous year.

Europe continued to feed this key market, with guest arrivals from the continent increasing by 4.3% to 539,470. Visitors from the Americas saw a 6.9% rise, reaching 61,751, while African guests recorded the highest growth rate, up 9.2% to 12,742.

Regional markets also remained strong, with 311,150 visitors from Asia, marking a 4.7% increase from 2023.

However, Oceania was the only region to record a decline, with guest numbers dropping by 26.1% to 33,052.

The growth in both revenues and guest arrivals underscores Oman’s growing appeal as a destination for international travellers while highlighting the rise in domestic tourism.

The hospitality sector continues to play a crucial role in Oman’s broader tourism industry, supporting economic growth and contributing to the country’s diversification efforts.