Published on
November 29, 2025
Oman’s tourism sector recorded steady growth over the past year, supported by a rise in international arrivals, increasing global interest and expanding airline capacity
Oman’s tourism sector recorded steady growth over the past year, supported by a rise in international arrivals, increasing global interest and expanding airline capacity. According to new data from ForwardKeys, international tourist numbers increased seven percent between September 2024 and August 2025. The figures reflect a strengthening trend across key source markets and a widening appeal for the destination.
European markets played a central role in driving this growth. In the first half of 2025, arrivals from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands rose by more than forty-four percent, marking some of the highest increases among long-haul sources. Arrivals from Switzerland grew thirty-five percent, reinforcing Europe’s significance in Oman’s inbound tourism landscape. This movement aligns with a broader preference among European travellers for destinations with natural landscapes, cultural depth and warm climates.
The Gulf region also contributed significantly to Oman’s visitor numbers. ForwardKeys reported that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) travellers made up forty percent of total arrivals during the assessed period. Within the GCC, Bahrain recorded a thirty percent rise, while Qatar posted eight percent growth. The continued movement from regional markets reflects strong intra-GCC connectivity and demand for short-break and family-oriented travel.
Growth was also visible in Asia. The Singapore market posted an increase of more than thirty-four percent in the first half of 2025. Improved air links, rising outbound travel demand and increased awareness of Oman’s attractions supported this rise in arrivals.
Alongside actual arrivals, online travel interest pointed to expanding momentum. Between September and November 2025, ForwardKeys recorded a forty-three percent increase in global search activity for trips to Oman. The rise in search behaviour suggests growing visibility for the destination across international markets and indicates potential for continued growth ahead of the 2026 travel period.
Airline capacity played an important role in supporting this demand. Between September 2024 and February 2025, international air-traffic capacity to Oman increased sharply from several markets. Capacity from Russia rose two hundred fifty-three percent, driven by added seasonal and scheduled services. Switzerland recorded an eighty-three percent increase, expanding access for Swiss travellers to Muscat and Salalah. Capacity from Malaysia increased fifty-six percent, strengthening links between Southeast Asia and Oman. Additional increases came from Italy, up thirty-one percent, and the United Kingdom, up twenty-four percent, both contributing to higher booking activity and improved travel options.
These expansions have provided travellers with more direct routes, better frequencies and a wider selection of travel timings. The increased seat supply has also supported airlines in meeting rising demand from leisure and business travellers throughout the year.
Oman’s overall tourism performance reflects the combined influence of new air connectivity, growing long-haul interest and a consistent flow of regional visitors. With beaches, mountain landscapes, cultural sites and desert experiences forming the core of its tourism offering, the country continues to attract travellers seeking diverse itineraries and year-round trip options.
Ongoing investment in infrastructure and hospitality has also supported visitor growth. Improvements at airports, the development of new accommodation options and enhanced tourism services have contributed to the country’s ability to handle rising international demand. These developments complement the wider push to support sustainable tourism practices and strengthen Oman’s positioning in the global market.
ForwardKeys’ data indicates that Oman’s tourism outlook remains positive. Strong increases from Europe, sustained movement from the Gulf, rising demand from Asia and significant growth in search activity are expected to influence booking patterns in the coming months. As airlines continue to add capacity and more travellers consider Oman for both leisure and business trips, the destination is positioned to maintain its upward trajectory into 2026.
With multiple regions posting double-digit increases and connectivity improving across key markets, Oman is developing a broader and more resilient tourism base. The latest figures highlight expanding interest from traditional and emerging markets alike, underscoring the Sultanate’s strengthening role in Middle East touris
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