Oman To Reach New Heights In Tourism, Aiming For Over Three Percent Contribution To GDP By 2030 And Shaping The Future Of Its Economic Growth

Oman tourism sector is set to contribute 3.5% to the GDP by 2030, supporting economic diversification and aligning with the goals of Vision 2040.

On Monday, the Majlis Ash’shura hosted Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the second sitting in the 10th term.

The session covered a variety of topics including the ministry’s policies, plans, and programs, alongside key developments in the tourism and heritage sectors, such as human resources management, investment coordination, and future prospects. The session was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Ash’shura.

The minister highlighted the ministry’s focus on six critical areas. He emphasized the efforts made during the Tenth Five-Year Plan, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goals, specifically aiming at economic diversification and enhancing the country’s GDP. Abdullah al Harthy, Chairman of the Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee, acknowledged the sector’s role as a key enabler of the national economy, hoping tourism would become a major contributor post-oil. He pointed to the current 2.5% contribution to the economy and expressed aspirations to increase this to 10% as per Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing the importance of job creation and economic stimulation through the ministry’s initiatives.

The Minister also reported growth in the tourism sector, with its contribution rising from RO 1.8 billion in 2019 to RO 2 billion in 2023. Additionally, the sector’s direct added value increased from RO 873 million to RO 1 billion in the same period. Projections suggest tourism’s contribution to the GDP will reach 3.5% by 2030, bolstered by approximately RO 3 billion in ongoing investments.

Domestic tourism has also seen significant growth, with the number of local visitors increasing from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023. Domestic tourism spending grew from RO 732 million in 2019 to RO 830 million in 2023. To further boost regional tourism, the approval of a unified visa for GCC nationals in 2023 is expected to facilitate easier travel within the Gulf region.

The statement outlined the ministry’s efforts across six main areas: policies, tourism development indicators, heritage sector management, tourism sector management, human resources, and investment coordination. These initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040 and aim to develop the heritage and tourism sectors in the upcoming Eleventh Five-Year Plan.

One key focus was the evaluation of tourism during the current five-year plan, including spending trends, domestic tourism impacts, and integrated tourism complex projects. The goal is to assess the growth potential and job opportunities within the tourism sector.

A dedicated section discussed the heritage sector’s management, highlighting the ministry’s preservation of Oman’s tangible cultural heritage. This includes the restoration of 370 monuments and a continuous program for archaeological surveys and excavations. Furthermore, Oman has made significant progress in developing World Heritage sites, such as the historic city of Qalhat, the Bat site, and the Dibba archaeological site. Plans are also in place to include Bisya and Salut on the World Heritage List.

The heritage sector is also focusing on the development of museums, such as the Maritime History Museum in Sur, and the relocation of the Natural History Museum to the Oman Botanic Garden. The ministry continues to support private museums and heritage houses across the country.

Natural heritage, including geological parks and rare phenomena, is also being developed. The Al Hajar Geological Park project, which spans 5,400 square kilometers and encompasses three governorates, is progressing rapidly. Additionally, meteorite collections are being showcased, and a digital monitoring system tracks meteorite falls.

In the tourism sector, the ministry is focusing on enhancing adventure tourism and promoting Oman’s ports for cruise and luxury yacht tourism. The launch of a medical and wellness tourism program is also part of the ministry’s broader strategy to diversify tourism offerings.

The session concluded by addressing human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors. The ministry is working to balance supply and demand for national labor in these sectors, aiming to improve Omanisation rates and support job creation for Omanis.

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