Oman Targets One Million Indian Tourists Annually with Boosted Travel Offerings
Oman is setting its sights on welcoming one million Indian tourists annually, a goal that reflects the country’s increasing efforts to position itself as a top travel destination for Indian travelers. This push comes as part of Oman’s broader tourism development strategy under its national Vision 2040 plan, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by investing in sectors like hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
In 2023, around 600,000 Indian visitors explored Oman. That number surged to over 700,000 in 2024, highlighting a strong upward trend. The latest campaign intends to take this momentum further, placing India at the center of Oman’s international tourism efforts.
Strong Cultural and Economic Ties
India and Oman share a long history of trade, cultural ties, and people-to-people connections. With over 800,000 Indian expatriates living and working in Oman, Indian travelers often find the country familiar, welcoming, and culturally accessible. These deep-rooted ties are now being translated into focused tourism campaigns that aim to attract not only leisure travelers but also corporate, luxury, and adventure tourists.
Tourism Promotions and Roadshows
To tap into India’s vast travel market, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism recently organized a multi-city roadshow campaign called “Focus Oman” in cities like Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi. These events brought together over 25 Omani tourism operators and 150 Indian travel agents to build partnerships and showcase Oman’s wide variety of experiences.
The campaign targets multiple segments, including:
- Luxury holidays
- Destination weddings
- MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism
- Adventure travel, such as desert excursions, mountain hiking, and diving in the Arabian Sea
Adventure and Culture Combined
Oman offers a unique blend of adventure and tradition. Visitors can explore ancient forts and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nizwa and Bahla, relax on pristine beaches along the Musandam Peninsula, or hike through the dramatic cliffs of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams. The country is also investing in eco-tourism and cultural experiences to attract environmentally conscious and curious travelers.
To enhance accessibility, Oman continues to strengthen air connectivity with major Indian cities. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru are regularly operated by carriers like Oman Air, IndiGo, and Air India. The e-visa facility and relaxed visa policies further ease the travel process for Indian nationals.
A Key Piece of Vision 2040
Oman’s tourism drive is part of its larger national goal outlined in Vision 2040, which aims to bring in over 11 million tourists annually by mid-century. India has been clearly identified as one of the top target markets in this plan due to its fast-growing outbound tourism sector and the high level of interest in regional travel.
As part of the sustainable tourism mission, Oman is promoting projects like the Oman Botanic Garden, which combines conservation with tourism, and emphasizes responsible, environmentally friendly travel.
Positive Economic Signs
According to recent data, Oman recorded 1.14 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, with hotel revenues increasing by over 18% compared to the same period last year. While the figures don’t separate Indian visitors specifically, officials confirm that India remains the top contributor to Oman’s tourism growth.
Looking Ahead
Oman’s goal of attracting one million Indian tourists annually is ambitious, but not unrealistic. With continued efforts in marketing, ease of travel, and targeted experiences tailored to Indian travelers, Oman is well-positioned to achieve this milestone.
By capitalizing on its natural beauty, rich heritage, and strong India-Oman relations, the Sultanate is not only opening new doors for Indian tourists but also reinforcing its reputation as a premium destination for global travelers.
