Oman’s tourism industry is set for major expansion, with plans to create over 500,000 jobs and attract approximately $49 billion USD in investments by 2040, in alignment with the country’s Vision 2040 strategy.
In remarks to the Shura Council, Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, emphasized tourism’s role as a key driver of economic diversification and employment growth. The national strategy aims to elevate Oman’s international tourism appeal while building robust domestic infrastructure and services.
The tourism sector’s contribution to GDP is projected to reach $7.8 billion (3.5%) by 2030, showing steady growth from $4.7 billion in 2019 to $5.2 billion in 2023. The direct added value from tourism also increased, rising from $2.27 billion in 2019 to $2.6 billion in 2023—highlighting its expanding economic footprint.
Domestic Tourism Shows Strong Growth
Domestic visitor numbers climbed from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023. During the same period, local tourism spending rose from $1.9 billion to $2.16 billion, driven by continued investment in infrastructure and upgrades to major tourist attractions.
Infrastructure and Employment Investment on the Rise
Ongoing improvements in tourism infrastructure and destination development are expected to generate diverse job opportunities across hospitality, transportation, tourism services, and cultural heritage sectors.
As Oman advances toward a more diversified and sustainable economy, the tourism sector is emerging as a central pillar, offering both economic resilience and long-term job creation.
Source: hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com
