Muscat – Tourism’s contribution to Oman’s gross domestic product rose to 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.6% a year earlier, as the sector continued to strengthen its role in the sultanate’s economic diversification drive.

Direct tourism GDP at current prices increased 6.5% to RO293.8mn during the January-March period, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Total tourism output rose at a faster pace, climbing 9.7% to RO610.4mn, while direct value added increased 6.6% to RO286.4mn.

The figures show growth spreading across a range of tourism-linked businesses.

Accommodation services accounted for the largest share of direct tourism value added at 24.8%, followed by travel agency and reservation services at 19.7%. Transport contributed 18.7% and restaurants 18.3%.

At constant prices, which strip out the effects of inflation, direct tourism GDP increased 2.8% to RO279.9mn from RO272.3mn in the first quarter of 2025. Its share of overall GDP remained at 2.9%.

Tourism’s contribution to the economy has risen steadily from 1.6% in 2020 and 2021 to 2% in 2022, 2.5% in 2023 and 2.7% in 2024 and 2025.

Under Vision 2040, the sultanate aims to raise the sector’s contribution to GDP to 3.5% by 2030 and 5.3% by 2040.

H E Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the first quarter figures reflected “continued gradual growth” and the impact of efforts to develop tourism assets, attract investment and broaden visitor experiences.

“The indicators recorded during the first quarter reinforce the position of the tourism sector as one of the economic sectors with a growing impact,” H E Al Busaidi said.

He said the sector’s links with transport, accommodation, hospitality, travel and cultural services widened its economic impact while creating opportunities for SMEs and private businesses.

The ministry is seeking to attract visitors from new markets alongside established ones, promote year-round tourism and use data and technology to better understand traveller preferences.

It is also focusing on improving tourism services and experiences, with the aim of increasing visitor spending and length of stay while encouraging further investment and employment across Oman’s governorates.