Tourist arrivals in Oman to rise 13 per cent in three years

Tourist arrivals to Oman will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent between 2018 and 2021, said a data released by Arabian Travel Market 2018. Commissioned by ATM, the Colliers International data predicts the rise will be fuelled by visitors from across the GCC, who accounted for 48 per cent of guests in 2017.

There was 2.3 per cent in the total revenue of three- to five-star hotels as of December-end 2017 compared with the same period a year ago. The three- to five-star hotels received 1.5 million guests until the end of December compared with the same period a year ago.

In addition, arrivals from India (10 per cent), Germany (six per cent), the UK (five per cent) and Philippines (three per cent) are also expected to contribute heavily to the growth, supported by new visa processes and improved flight connections. Historically, the Middle East has been the largest source market for Oman, with arrivals from this group increasing at an annual rate of 20 per cent between 2012 and 2017. These trends have contributed to a spike in companies looking to enter the Omani tourism market, as demonstrated during ATM 2017 when the number of attendees interested in doing business with the Sultanate increased 13 per cent compared with the 2016 edition.

Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM, said, “The latest data demonstrates the growth in visitors to Oman will continue, supported by strategic investment from the government as it turns to tourism to diversify its income. Oman is a fantastic destination with responsible, eco, cultural and heritage attractions, as well as being a key travel hub.”

Press said: “With a strong demand from GCC leisure and business travellers, Oman is preparing for even more four- and five-star hotels over the coming years as work completes on the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and Muscat Opera. Occupancy could rise by as much as five per cent in 2018, so Oman really is one to watch.”

The event takes place in Dubai from April 22 to 25.