93% rise in number of visitors

Data released by Forwardkeys showed that Oman registered a 93-per cent increase in the number of international visitors to tourist destinations, since the start of September 2022 until now, compared to the corresponding period last year. The majority of tourists are from European and Middle Eastern countries, while the number of visitors from regional markets grew by more than 156 per cent, according to the latest data on airline ticket booking, notably for the months of November and December 2022.

Germany constitutes the largest market segment of tourists visiting Oman over the fourth quarter of 2022, constituting a rise of more than 140 per cent, with each tourist staying for 8 nights on average.

The number of visitors to Oman from GCC states is expected to increase by 196 per cent until the end of the year. Visitors from the UAE constitute the largest segment, with an increase of 162 per cent in the number of tourists.

Haitham bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director-general of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said that the latest data shared by Forwardkeys affirms the significance of facilities like air transport in attracting travellers. Another factor of tourist attraction is the diversity of tourist destinations and activities that make Oman an ideal place for many tourists and groups from regional and international markets, Al Ghassani added.

“The World Cup is the most important sporting event ever hosted in the region, and that is why the Sultanate of Oman launched a special programme to celebrate this exceptional occasion, based on the fact that Muscat is one of the cities approved to host World Cup fans, as the programme aims to provide an integrated experience for fans who choose Muscat for their residence during the tournament,” said Azzan bin Qassim al Busaidy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.