Oman To Breach Half-A-Million Mark In Indian Visitor Arrival Numbers

Thanks to the continued efforts of Oman Tourism in destination promotion and market development, that Indian tourist arrival numbers have exploded in the post-Covid tourism revival for the Sultanate. The country recorded a staggering 126 per cent growth in Indian arrivals in April 2023 when compared to the same month last year. And with Indian visitor arrivals already surpassing 2,34,000 in the first five months, Oman is already standing at a remarkable 114 per cent growth when compared with the same period last year. Oman received little over 3,52,000 Indian visitors in 2022.

In India along with 12 prominent suppliers including national carrier Oman Air and low-cost Salam Air, along with hotels and DMC, for the ongoing four-city destination road show, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, expressed great confidence in breaking into half-a-million mark in Indian visitor arrivals this year. And if current number trends continue for the remainder of the year, Oman does look sitting pretty to welcome well over 500,000 India tourists in 2023.

Al Hajry said: “The roadshow held in Delhi was a tremendous success. Our interactions with agents indicated a strong and enthusiastic dedication to promoting Oman as a top destination for their clients. India has always been a significant ally for Oman, not only in terms of tourism but also due to shared values between the two countries. We take pride in India maintaining its position as the second-highest contributor of tourist arrivals to Oman and eagerly anticipate the country reaching new heights in terms of visitor numbers.”

During the event, Oman Tourism showcased an array of captivating tourist experiences and sites, including thrilling off-road adventures, historic forts and castles, the five UNESCO sites, rich history, Dhofar’s Khareef (monsoon) season, the annual Green Turtles migration and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the authentic Omani village life.

Adventure came in for the special highlight as the country has witnessed greater acceptance and equity as an Adventure Tourism destination lately. The country fits well into an adventure enthusiast list, be it paragliding, kite surfing, mountain biking, hiking, caving and much more. For the adrenalin-buzzed tourist, there is an exploration of the largest cave chambers in the world, Majlis Al Jinn, to snorkelling the colourful coral reefs of Daymaniyat Islands or camping under the stars in the A’Sharqiyah Sands.

The country, represented in India by Buzz Travel Marketing, is currently undertaking an aggressive four-city road shows across Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and concluding in Kolkata. The event in Delhi was attending by hundreds of key buyers from across the Delhi and NCR regions showing keen desire in promoting Oman for its nature, culture and adventure activities. Apart from destination and product updates, the road show also aims to revive confidence in Oman as a destination of choice.

Participants in the road show also included Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Crown Plaza Muscat, DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar Oman and Kempinski Hotel Muscat, along with leading DMCs Bahwan Tourism, Khimji’s House of Travel, Magic Travels, Sama Travel & Tourism, Tour Oman – Travel Point and Zahara Tours.