Muscat: Oman’s tourism sector has attracted RO 2.59 billion in investments as part of the country’s efforts to position itself as a leading regional travel destination. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced that 45 usufruct contracts have been signed since the beginning of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), including 14 contracts in 2024 alone.
These projects span luxury eco-camps, hotels, and tourist resorts across different regions and classifications, aiming to enhance the tourism experience and diversify Oman’s hospitality offerings.
The Ministry is working within a national investment framework to attract RO 3 billion in private investments during the current plan period. Emphasis has been placed on integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the tourism value chain to maximize economic and community benefits.
Ameera bint Iqbal Al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development, stated that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to geographically and functionally diversify Oman’s tourism map. The projects are designed to go beyond conventional accommodation by providing immersive tourism experiences that promote local engagement, job creation, and socio-economic growth.
She noted that the developments also address growing demand from both domestic and international markets and are aligned with the Ministry’s focus on sustainable tourism sectors such as ecotourism, mountain tourism, and adventure tourism.
Highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships, Al Lawati added that the Ministry continues to offer incentives, programs, and streamlined investment procedures to ensure the long-term success of tourism ventures while preserving the country’s cultural and environmental identity.
