Oman bets on tourism to protect itself against global shocks
In order to diversify its economy away from oil and gas, Oman is going all-in on its tourism industry.
Al-Monitor Pro Members
Tamara Juburi
Researcher and analyst focusing on the Middle East
April 7, 2023
As part of an effort to revamp its tourism industry, Oman announced last week that it was launching visa free travel for nationals from 103 countries. This move is part of Oman’s wider effort to increase its global standing as a hub for international tourism, which is a central component of its plan to diversify its economy. In doing so, the sultanate aims to create more than 500,000 jobs and earn the country $22.5 billion in tourism revenue by 2040. However, effectively distinguishing itself from its neighbors, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, and successfully showcasing what it has to offer on the international stage will be key if the nation is to meet its goals.