India emerges 2nd highest source market after GCC for Oman

Chennai: With 3,57,147 Indians visiting the Sultanate of Oman in 2018 as against 3.17 lakh Indian tourists in 2017, India has emerged as the second highest source market for Oman, after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

This marks a remarkable growth of 39.4 % over the last five years, as per the statistics released by Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The country received 14,84,063 international travellers in 2018 as against 13,69,199 in 2017, which is significantly higher, showcasing a growth of over 8.39 %. The Oman Tourism Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), foresees at least 11.7 mn international and domestic tourists by 2040, triggered by domestic and international investments into the sector of around OMR (Omani Riyal) 20 billion over the period.

 “As part of the its 2040 strategy, the Ministry of Tourism is undertaking major steps to develop and promote a series of destinations across Oman, offering visitors a broader variety of distinctive experiences, with the goal of encouraging extended visits and greater engagement with the country’s culture and natural sites,” Lubaina Sheerazi, India representative, Ministry of Tourism, Oman, said. Speaking about the incredible growth, Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, said, 2018 had been a splendid year for the Ministry of Tourism.

India represents a substantial and vast market for Oman, given the high percentage of travellers willing to travel abroad and experience new destinations. “We have been observing a steady year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals to Oman from India and are extremely pleased with the consistent growth. India has been an important market for us and we are delighted to say that it has been one of the best performing countries, reaching the status of second highest source market after GCC,” she said.

Several initiatives have contributed to this success, such as launch of the Electronic visa, direct flight connectivity from various cities in India and opening of the new passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport, among others. Oman Air, the national carrier is connected via direct flights with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Kochi, Goa, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram. Besides, Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and IndiGo are also well connected to Oman from various Indian cities.

 Last year saw the opening of the state-of-the-art Muscat International Airport, giving the country a plush gateway offering unrivalled service and earning the prestigious best new airport in the world. Also, to attract more travellers, Oman announced a new short-term tourist visa at 5 OMR equivalent to approximately INR 930, for a 10-day visit.