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Why Oman’s Tourism Industry is Ranked 101st on the Henley Passport Power Index Despite Visa Free Travel Access to 86 Countries

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Oman, known officially as the Sultanate of Oman, lies in West Asia on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, stretching across the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It borders Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Despite offering visa-free travel to 86 countries, Oman’s tourism industry ranks 101st on the Henley Passport Power Index.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Oman’s outbound tourism industry is growing, with a significant portion of the population eager to explore international destinations. The country’s citizens are increasingly taking advantage of visa-free access to 86 countries, reflecting a strong desire to experience diverse cultures and environments. This trend not only showcases the adventurous spirit of the Omani people but also underscores the importance of global connectivity and cultural exchange. The surge in outbound travel highlights Oman’s role in the global tourism landscape and its potential for further growth.”

Growing Outbound Tourism in Oman: 15.76% of Population Exploring 86 Global Destinations

Oman ranks 101st in terms of global outbound tourism, with 15.76% of its population participating in international travel. The country’s tourism growth rate stands at 0.114%, reflecting a steady interest in exploring destinations beyond its borders. Omani travelers have access to 86 destinations worldwide, with 38% of the population taking advantage of this connectivity. This engagement with international travel highlights a growing curiosity and willingness among Omanis to experience diverse cultures and environments, enriching their perspectives and contributing to the global tourism landscape.

Outbound Tourism Soars by 166.2% in 2022 with 5.2 Million Travelers, Omani Visitors Lead the Surge with 3.5 Million

Outbound tourism experienced a significant increase of 166.2% in 2022, reaching 5.2 million visitors, compared to 1.9 million in 2021. This surge reflects a strong recovery in travel activity post-pandemic. A notable aspect of this growth is that Omani visitors made up a substantial 67.3% of the total outbound travelers, amounting to 3.5 million individuals. This increase highlights a renewed interest and confidence in international travel among the population.

Top Travel Destinations for Omani Travelers: GCC, India, UK, Thailand, and European Countries
Omani travelers often choose destinations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, due to their cultural similarities, proximity, and convenient travel options. Outside the GCC, popular destinations for Omani travelers include India, the United Kingdom, and Thailand, known for their diverse cultures, shopping, and leisure opportunities. Additionally, Omani tourists are increasingly exploring European countries, such as Germany, France, and Switzerland, for their rich history, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences.

Countries where Oman passport holders can travel Visa Free:

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belarus

Bermuda

Botswana

Brunei

Cayman Islands

Colombia

Cook Islands

Dominica

Ecuador

Egypt

Georgia

Haiti

Hong Kong (SAR China)

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kosovo

Kuwait

Lebanon

Madagascar

Malaysia

Mauritius

Micronesia

Morocco

Niue

Philippines

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Serbia

Singapore

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Suriname

Syria

Tajikistan

Thailand

Timor-Leste

Tunisia

Türkiye

Turks and Caicos Islands

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Zambia

VOA

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Bolivia

Burundi

Cambodia

Cape Verde Islands

Comoro Islands

Djibouti

Ethiopia

Guinea-Bissau

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Macao (SAR China)

Maldives

Mauritania

Mozambique

Nepal

Nicaragua

Palau Islands

Paraguay

Rwanda

Samoa

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Somalia

Tanzania

Tuvalu

Yemen

ETA

Kenya

New Zealand

Pakistan

South Korea

Sri Lanka

United Kingdom

Airports in Oman:

Muscat International Airport (MCT) the largest airport in Oman, Muscat International Airport handles approximately 10 million outbound passengers annually, serving as the main gateway for international travel.

Salalah International Airport (SLL)caters to around 1.5 million outbound passengers each year, particularly popular during the Khareef season.

Khasab Airport (KHS), located in the Musandam Governorate, serves around 100,000 outbound passengers annually, offering flights primarily to Muscat.

Duqm Airport (DQM) handles approximately 50,000 outbound passengers annually, supporting the economic development of the Duqm region.

Suhar International Airport (OHS)serves around 200,000 outbound passengers annually, providing a growing number of flights to regional destinations.

Ghaba Qarn Alam Airport (RNM) mainly serves the oil industry, with around 30,000 outbound passengers annually, primarily for business travel.

Overview of Oman’s Key Airlines:

Oman’s aviation sector is supported by several key players, each catering to different segments of the market. The national airline offers a broad network of international destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A budget-friendly carrier provides affordable travel options to regional and international locations, with popular routes to India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, a specialized airline primarily serves the Sultanate’s royal family and government officials, focusing on high-security flights to key diplomatic and international destinations, without catering to commercial passenger traffic.

Airlines in Oman:

Oman Air, the national airline of Oman, serves approximately 4 million outbound passengers annually, offering a wide range of international destinations, including key routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

SalamAir, a low-cost carrier, handles around 1.2 million outbound passengers each year, providing affordable travel options to regional and international destinations, including popular routes to India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia.

Government Airline in Oman:

Royal Flight of Oman-The Royal Flight of Oman primarily serves the Sultanate’s royal family and government officials, with limited outbound passenger traffic as it is not a commercial airline. It provides specialized, high-security flights, often to key diplomatic and international destinations.

Popular Cruise Lines Departing from Oman

Oman serves as a key departure point for several major cruise lines, offering travelers diverse itineraries to explore the Middle East and beyond. One cruise line offers voyages that include destinations such as Muscat and Khasab. Another features Oman in its routes through the Middle East, attracting numerous passengers each year. A third cruise line departs from Oman, including Gulf cruises in its offerings. Another line is known for routes that visit destinations like Muscat and Salalah. A different cruise line includes Omani ports in its Middle Eastern voyages. Lastly, another line offers itineraries departing from Oman, including Muscat, providing passengers with opportunities to explore the region and beyond.

Cruises in Oman:

MSC Cruises offers itineraries that include stops in Omani ports like Muscat and Khasab, catering to around 100,000 outbound passengers annually on these routes.

Costa Cruises includes Oman as part of its Middle Eastern cruise routes, attracting approximately 80,000 outbound passengers each year to its Omani destinations.

Royal Caribbean International features Oman in its Gulf and Middle Eastern cruises, with around 120,000 outbound passengers enjoying stops in Omani ports annually.

AIDA Cruises is known for visiting Muscat and Salalah in Oman, serving around 90,000 outbound passengers each year who explore these Omani cities.

Celebrity Cruises includes Omani destinations in its Middle Eastern voyages, drawing about 70,000 outbound passengers annually to experience Oman.

TUI Cruises offers itineraries that visit Omani ports, including Muscat, with approximately 85,000 outbound passengers each year exploring the region.

Oman‘s tourism industry is a vibrant and flourishing sector, captivating visitors with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse experiences. The country’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and showcasing unique attractions—ranging from ancient historical sites to stunning natural wonders and luxurious accommodations—has established Oman as a sought-after destination for international travelers.

The post Why Oman’s Tourism Industry is Ranked 101st on the Henley Passport Power Index Despite Visa Free Travel Access to 86 Countries appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

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