Riyadh: European Tourists Boost Hotel Revenue in Oman
Official data has revealed a 10.2 percent increase in hotel revenue in Oman during the first five months of 2024, with European travelers playing a significant role in this growth.
Surge in Revenue and Hotel Occupancy
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, three to five-star hotels in Oman generated over 108.3 million Omani rials ($281.5 million) in revenue, compared to 98.3 million rials in 2023.
The surge in revenue was driven by a 13.7 percent increase in the total number of hotel guests, with 286,980 European visitors contributing to a 19.6 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.
At the same time, the hotel occupancy rate rose by 6 percent to reach 51.5 percent, showcasing the increasing popularity of Oman as a tourist destination.
Diversifying Tourist Demographics in the GCC
Oman’s success in attracting European visitors aligns with the broader strategy of diversifying tourist demographics and strengthening the hospitality sector in the GCC region.
Similar to Oman, Saudi Arabia has also experienced significant growth in international tourist arrivals, topping the UN Tourism’s ranking for growth among large destinations in 2023.
Nationalities Among Hotel Guests
The NCSI report provides a breakdown of the nationalities among hotel guests in Oman during the first five months of 2024.
Omani citizens accounted for 306,255 hotel guests, reflecting a substantial increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year.
Gulf Cooperation Council citizens and Arab tourists also contributed to the growth, with increases of 6.8 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively.
Guests from the US and Oceania countries also played a significant role in the tourism growth in Oman.
Passenger Traffic at Oman’s Airports
By the end of April, Oman’s airports had handled over 4.9 million passengers and 31,708 flights.
Muscat International Airport saw a 16.8 percent increase in passengers, with Indians topping the list of arrivals, followed by Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals.
Sohar Airport and Duqm Airport also experienced significant passenger traffic, further showcasing Oman’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.