Oman Sets Sights on Indian Tourists to Power Sustainable Tourism Vision 2040

As part of its ambitious Vision 2040 roadmap, Oman is actively courting Indian travellers to help achieve its tourism targets, aiming to welcome 11.7 million international visitors annually by the end of the next decade. The Sultanate’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is positioning India as a priority market, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties shared by both nations.

In 2023 alone, Oman hosted nearly 600,000 Indian tourists—accounting for around 15% of its total tourist arrivals. This surge contributed to an overall 38% growth in the country’s tourism sector compared to the previous year.

Mohamed bin Mahmoud al Zadjali, adviser to the Minister of Heritage and Tourism for Engineering Affairs, emphasized the value of Indian travellers, calling them a key segment in Oman’s tourism ecosystem. He noted that Indian visitors consistently explore Oman’s diverse landscapes, from traditional souks and castles to serene coastal towns.

Oman’s tourism strategy includes a strong focus on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. The country is actively promoting corporate travel and destination weddings in India, aiming to build a loyal base of Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and families looking for memorable international experiences.

A cornerstone of Oman’s tourism sustainability agenda is the Oman Botanic Garden, a pioneering initiative that showcases the country’s ecological commitment. Home to over 1,400 plant species—including 100 found nowhere else in the world—the garden stands as a symbol of Oman’s unique approach to preserving biodiversity while promoting eco-tourism.

The garden, initiated in 2006 under the guidance of the late Sultan Qaboos and continued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is the only botanical facility worldwide dedicated entirely to preserving local habitats.

With its sustainable infrastructure, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, Oman is not just opening its doors to more tourists—it’s laying the foundation for a greener, more inclusive tourism economy. And Indian travellers are poised to play a major role in that journey.