Muscat – Oman has been named among Lonely Planet’s 50 Best Places to Go in 2027, earning recognition for its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.

The sultanate was included under the title ‘Best for Arabian Hospitality’, with the global travel guide highlighting Oman’s deserts, mountains and coastline, as well as the warmth with which visitors are received.

“With spectacular desert landscapes, soaring mountains and a long coastline, Oman is a joy for adventurous travellers. But the most memorable part of a trip here is meeting the hospitable Omani people, who make a virtue of cherishing their visitors,” wrote Lonely Planet guidebook writer Jenny Walker.

The annual Best in Travel list features 50 destinations selected by Lonely Planet’s writers and editors based on their first-hand travel experiences.

Lonely Planet describes Oman as the country known for its extensive coastline, high mountain ranges, rugged canyons, lush oases and vast deserts. It said Oman’s natural diversity has attracted adventurous travellers for years, while changes to visa rules have opened the sultanate to a wider audience.

The guide also points to Oman’s strong traditions and rich heritage, alongside cities that combine history and tradition with a modern outlook.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism welcomed the recognition on X, saying the inclusion reflects Oman’s growing presence on the international tourism map and its range of natural and cultural attractions and tourism experiences.

The ministry said Lonely Planet’s recognition of Oman under Best for Arabian Hospitality also reflects its praise of the country’s varied landscapes and what it described as the distinctive generosity and warm welcome offered by Omanis to visitors.

Among the other destinations featured in the 2027 list are Australia’s Red Centre, named the best for outback storytelling; Montserrat in the Caribbean, recognised as a volcano-carved hideaway; Gujarat in India, highlighted for its salt flats and wild lions; and Skanör-Falsterbo in Sweden, selected for its quiet, cottage-lined summer setting.

Other destinations on the list include Chengdu in China, Okinawa in Japan, Danang in Vietnam, Samoa, Rabat in Morocco, New Caledonia and Québec in Canada, reflecting a mix of nature, culture, food, heritage and outdoor experiences.