Saturday 06 / December / 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a comprehensive package of promotional initiatives to enhance Oman’s position as a premier tourism destination in the region during the 2025-2026 winter season, which continues to see a growing influx of visitors.
As part of its strategic plans, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to highlight Oman’s moderate winter climate, diverse tourism offerings, adventure sites, rich cultural heritage, and well-developed infrastructure, positioning the country as an ideal winter tourism destination.
Promotion efforts include digital campaigns targeting key markets in the GCC, Asia, and Europe.
Activities highlighted include desert and mountain camping, cave exploration, wildlife and beach trips, as well as cultural and seasonal events across the governorates.
The Ministry has also participated in international tourism exhibitions in collaboration with government and private sector partners, alongside organising media and travel agency familiarization trips to showcase Oman’s integrated tourism offerings.
“These initiatives support the objectives of the National Strategy for Tourism 2040, aiming for sustainable sector growth, increased economic contribution to GDP, and greater global visibility for the Sultanate,” the Ministry stated.
The promotional campaigns are designed to boost tourist arrivals from target markets and increase hotel occupancy rates, with local and GCC markets encouraged to “Try Our Winter.”
The campaign features short promotional videos, with SMEs participating in content production, and social media campaigns.
Haitham Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry, noted that this year’s focus is on quality promotional programmes, digital marketing, and market expansion in collaboration with public and private partners.
Notably, the winter season will welcome the tourism vessel Islamic Cruise, anchoring at Salalah Port for the first time.
Varun Khimji Ramdas, of Khimji Ramdas Group, described the winter season (October to April) as a golden opportunity for tourism, contributing to the local economy through increased hotel occupancy, demand for transport and restaurant services, and activation of cultural and sports events across the governorates.
The Sultanate of Oman has witnessed significant growth in tourist arrivals from key international markets up to October 2025. The Russian market saw a remarkable 140% increase, while arrivals from Switzerland and the Netherlands rose by 49% to 60%.
Spain recorded a 21% increase, Gulf countries between 6% and 17%, and some Asian markets saw a 5% growth. New markets, including the Nordic countries, Poland, and Austria, contributed an additional 11% to 25% rise in tourist numbers.
Charter flights played a key role, bringing 93,000 tourists—an increase of 26% over last season—through 588 flights compared to 466 previously.
For the current season, over 640 charter flights are expected to bring 110,000 tourists from targeted markets, generating more than US$100 million in economic returns.
Economic revenues of US$80 million were achieved last season from accommodation, transportation, and tourist trips, excluding additional sources such as aircraft landing, stopping, and refueling fees.
Mohammed Kamal Makki, director of Barr Al Jissah Resort, highlighted the winter season as a “special period driven by strong regional and international demand,” particularly from Europe, the UK, and Russia.
He noted that Oman’s favorable climate, natural landscapes, marine adventures, and authentic Arabian hospitality continue to attract travelers.
The Barr Al Jissah Resort’s three hotels—Al Waha, Al Bandar, and Al Hosn—remain popular among international tourists, offering cultural experiences combined with relaxation. The winter season also boosts group and incentive travel, contributing to high occupancy across the resort’s 640 rooms.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to strengthen Oman’s appeal through extensive promotional programmes, international partnerships, tourism content development, and initiatives that encourage the private sector to provide innovative visitor experiences.
These efforts aim to elevate Oman’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
