Amazing Oman Tourism Growth: Discover Friendly Indian Travel Surges Now
Oman is becoming a top Gulf travel spot for people from India, backed by direct flights from more than 10 Indian cities. Here are the key facts about this tourism growth:
- 6.94 lakh Indians visited Oman in 2025, an 11 percent increase over 2024.
- Arrivals reached about 3.81 to 3.82 lakh in the first half of 2026.
- India is now the second-largest source market for Oman, coming right after the UAE.
- The Sultanate welcomed about 18 lakh international tourists in the first half of 2026.
Tourism Numbers and Top Visitor Markets
Data from the Oman Observer confirms that India is currently the second-largest source market for Oman, following the UAE. During the first half of 2026, the Sultanate welcomed approximately 18 lakh international tourists. Of these, 4.91 lakh arrived from the UAE, followed by 3.82 lakh from India, and 68,000 from Germany. This shift indicates that Indian travelers are no longer a niche segment, but a significant commercial market for the nation's airlines, hotels, and tour operators.
New Travel Interests and Popular Sites
Beyond traditional visits to Muscat and Salalah, Indian interest is diversifying into premium travel, nature tourism, adventure, destination weddings, and MICE, which means meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Popular sites include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, Nizwa Fort, Wadi Shab, Wahiba Sands, Jebel Shams, and the Bimmah Sinkhole. Despite regional geopolitical uncertainty and aviation disruptions during the first half of 2026, overall tourism remained stable. While hotel occupancy, revenues, and guest numbers experienced declines of 15 percent, 12 percent, and 13 percent respectively, the accommodation and food-services sector achieved 1.2 percent growth in the first quarter of 2026, with added value reaching approximately OMR 194 million.
Plans and Travel Advice for Visitors
Tourism officials are currently focused on expanding Indian visitor reach beyond major cities to interior regions to increase average stays and local expenditure. Travelers are advised to verify airline schedules, baggage rules, passport validity, and entry visa requirements through the Royal Oman Police's official eVisa platform or authorized channels before booking, as visa conditions can vary based on nationality, residency status, and purpose of travel. Authorities are further engaging with Indian tour operators to capitalize on the upcoming cooler winter season, which runs from October to March.