Billions of Dollars: The Contribution of Tourism to Oman’s Economy in 2022
Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salem bin Mohammed Al-Mahrouqi, revealed that in 2022, the tourism sector contributed $2.77 billion (1.07 billion Omani rials) to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP). Total sector revenues reached $4.9 billion (1.9 billion Omani rials) that same year.
According to the Oman News Agency, Al-Mahrouqi stated, “The Sultanate’s tourism sector is experiencing steady growth across all areas.” He further noted that the number of tourists visiting Oman in 2022 reached 2.5 million, marking a 10.8% increase compared to the previous year.
The minister expressed optimism about the tourism sector’s potential to reach a 2.75% contribution to GDP within the next two years, up from 2.4% at the end of 2022. Al-Mahrouqi also confirmed that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing a strategic plan to promote the country’s tourism resources internationally. Among the most notable events is Oman’s official participation as a partner at the international tourism fair, “ITB Berlin 2024.”
The minister highlighted that the ministry is focusing on integrated tourism plans to develop certain promising destinations aligned with national programs. Oman aims to attract 10 million tourists annually by 2030 through a series of projects and plans currently underway to support tourism sector growth.
Oman’s natural beauty and temperate climate are key factors in the sector’s success, in line with Vision 2040’s goals to bolster tourism’s role in the country’s economy.
