Oman Aims to Welcome One Million Indian Visitors Annually

A sharp escalation in inbound tourism marks Oman’s new goal of attracting one million visitors from India each year, setting a fresh tone for its tourism ambitions. Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director in the Business Development Department of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, outlined this target during a major promotional roadshow in Jaipur. Industry experts and government voices point to this as both a strategic move and a test of execution.

As of 2024, Oman received over 623,000 visitors from India, making it the second-largest source market after the UAE. That same year, the nation recorded nearly 3.9 million overall tourist arrivals. So far in 2025, arrivals from India have already reached 246,663 within the first five months.

At the Jaipur workshops, held from 18 to 21 August, Oman brought together 25 tourism institutions with 150 Indian tour operators, aiming to forge deeper ties and showcase the breadth of Oman’s tourism offerings—from cultural heritage and natural landscapes to luxury hospitality.

Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi emphasised that the focus will be on luxury travel, destination weddings, MICE tourism, and adventure experiences, supported by a wide-ranging marketing push across traditional and digital channels. India has been designated a priority market owing to its large and diverse traveller base and enduring cultural and economic bonds with Oman.

Looking at the figures, the plan signals a steep ramp-up: from 623,000 Indian visitors in 2024 to one million annually represents an increase of approximately 60 per cent. Achieving this would require both broader outreach and enhancements in travel infrastructure. Oman has recently improved air connectivity from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and streamlined visa processes to make travel more accessible.

Underlying this tourism drive is Oman’s overarching economic diversification strategy, as laid out in its Vision 2040. The government is pushing to reduce reliance on traditional sectors such as oil and gas by bolstering tourism as a high-potential economic pillar. Capturing high-value Indian tourists could accelerate that shift.

Industry insiders remain cautiously optimistic. While India’s outbound tourism is on the rise, Oman faces stiff competition from other Gulf destinations. Success will hinge on the kingdom’s ability to deliver tailored experiences and maintain momentum amid global travel fluctuations. The Jaipur roadshow and ensuing campaigns could well determine whether Oman can follow its ambitions with results.