Oman Tourism Surge: Muscat Hotels See Double-Digit Growth in Guest Numbers
Oman is rapidly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for international travelers, and recent data confirms a significant upswing in tourism. By the end of October 2025, Muscat hotels – specifically those rated between three and five stars – experienced a robust 10.3% increase in guest arrivals, reaching a total of 1,895,159. This positive trend, compared to 1,717,538 guests during the same period in 2024, indicates a growing appeal and sustained recovery for the Sultanate’s hospitality sector. The figures, released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), paint a vibrant picture of Oman’s tourism evolution, attracting a diverse range of visitors and boosting the national economy.
Rising Revenue and Occupancy Rates in Muscat
The increase in guest numbers isn’t the only positive indicator. Alongside the growth in arrivals, hotel performance in Muscat has demonstrably improved across key metrics. Total revenues for these hotels surged by an impressive 19.4% to OMR222.149 million, showcasing a greater willingness amongst tourists to spend on accommodation and related services.
This financial boost is further supported by a notable rise in occupancy rates. By the end of October 2025, occupancy within the three- to five-star bracket hit 53.6%, a 13.5% increase compared to the 47.2% reported in the previous year. This suggests a more effective utilization of existing hotel capacity and reflects growing confidence in Oman as a traveller’s choice.
Factors Contributing to Positive Growth
Several factors are likely contributing to these encouraging trends. Oman’s strategic investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of Muscat International Airport, has facilitated easier access for international flights. Additionally, ongoing marketing campaigns targeting key source markets and the diversification of tourism offerings – from cultural experiences to adventure tourism – are proving successful. A stable and welcoming environment also plays a crucial role, resonating with tourists seeking safe and enriching travel experiences. The increasing focus on sustainable tourism, preserving Oman’s natural beauty, further enhances its appeal.
Nationality Trends: Who is Visiting Muscat?
A detailed breakdown of visitor nationalities reveals interesting patterns and growth areas. Oceania continues to be a standout performer, with a remarkable 40.5% increase in visitor numbers, totaling 34,441 guests. This indicates a growing awareness of Oman’s appeal within the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Following closely behind, visitors from the Americas experienced a 31.5% surge, reaching 62,083 guests. European travellers also contributed significantly to the growth, with a 23.1% increase, bringing the total to 483,574. These figures suggest a broadening of Oman’s tourism base beyond traditional markets.
More specifically, African arrivals increased by 18.7% to 11,962 visitors, while the Asian market saw a more moderate, but still positive, 9% rise, totaling 273,573 guests. This highlights the success of Oman’s outreach across diverse continents.
Domestic and Regional Tourism Supporting Growth
The data also demonstrates the continued importance of domestic and regional tourism in supporting Oman’s hospitality sector. Omani residents themselves increased their hotel stays by 6.9%, reaching 714,128 guests. This “staycation” trend underscores the appeal of Oman’s hotels and destinations for its own citizens.
Furthermore, there was a 6.7% rise in visitors from fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, resulting in a total of 181,610 guests. Proximity and cultural ties make the GCC a consistent source of tourism revenue for Oman, and the continued growth in this segment is encouraging. However, there was a slight downturn in visitors specifically from other Arab nations, decreasing by 1.8% to 84,268 guests. Understanding the reasons behind this decline will be important for targeted marketing efforts.
The Future of Tourism in Muscat and Oman
The strong performance of Oman’s tourism industry through October 2025 demonstrates a clear trajectory of growth and development. The figures reflect a well-executed strategy focused on diversification, infrastructure investment, and targeted marketing. Maintaining this momentum will require continued innovation in tourism products, a commitment to sustainable practices, and proactive engagement with evolving travel trends.
Looking ahead, Oman is poised to further solidify its position as a leading travel destination in the region. The ongoing development of new attractions, the expansion of accommodation options, and the continued improvement of air connectivity will undoubtedly attract even more visitors. Focusing on niche tourism, such as eco-tourism and cultural experiences, will be key to attracting high-value travelers. The overall outlook is exceptionally optimistic for the hospitality sector in Muscat and the broader Omani tourism landscape.
To learn more about travel to Oman, consider exploring Visit Oman’s official tourism website. For detailed statistical reports, refer to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Planning your trip to Muscat? Browse available Oman travel packages to find the perfect itinerary.
