Oman today_ The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman has launched a comprehensive set of promotional programs for the 2025-2026 winter season, aiming to position Oman as one of the region’s top tourism destinations. This season, like every year, is expected to see an increase in visitor arrivals, and the trend appears consistent this year.
The Ministry seeks to highlight Oman’s moderate winter climate, diverse tourist attractions, adventure opportunities, rich cultural heritage, and well-developed infrastructure, establishing the country as an ideal winter tourism destination. Promotional campaigns are being conducted digitally in key markets across the Gulf, Asia, and Europe to attract more visitors.
Oman’s winter tourism offerings include activities such as desert and mountain camping, cave exploration, wildlife and beach excursions, as well as cultural and seasonal events across all governorates. The Ministry has also participated in international tourism exhibitions and, in collaboration with the private sector, organized familiarization trips for media and travel agencies to fully showcase the country’s tourism offerings.
These initiatives align with the objectives of Oman’s National Tourism Strategy 2040, aiming to achieve sustainable growth in the tourism sector, increase its economic contribution to GDP, and raise Oman’s global profile.
The promotional campaigns feature short videos, content produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, and active social media engagement, helping tourists easily explore Oman’s attractions and amenities.
Haitham Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion, stated that this year’s focus is on high-quality promotional programs, digital marketing, and market expansion in partnership with both public and private stakeholders. This winter season will also see the Islamic Cruise tourism vessel docking at Salalah Port for the first time, allowing visitors to experience Oman’s attractions up close.
International tourist arrivals in Oman have seen significant growth up to October 2025. Visitor numbers from Russia increased by 140 percent, arrivals from Switzerland and the Netherlands rose between 49 and 60 percent, Spain saw a 21 percent increase, and Gulf countries recorded a 6 to 17 percent rise. New markets, including the Nordic countries, Poland, and Austria, contributed an additional 11 to 25 percent growth in tourist numbers.
Charter flights have played a key role, with 588 flights bringing approximately 93,000 tourists, a 26 percent increase compared to the previous season. For the current season, over 640 charter flights are expected to bring 110,000 tourists from target markets, generating more than $100 million in economic revenue.
Mohammed Kamal Makki, Director of the Barr Al Jissah Resort, described the winter season as a special period driven by strong demand from Europe, the United Kingdom, and Russia. He highlighted Oman’s pleasant climate, natural landscapes, marine activities, and authentic Arabian hospitality as ongoing attractions for travelers.
The three hotels of the Barr Al Jissah Resort—Al Waha, Al Bandar, and Al Hosn—remain popular among international visitors, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and relaxation. The winter season also boosts group and incentive travel, maintaining high occupancy across the resort’s 640 rooms.
Through extensive promotional programs, international partnerships, and encouraging the private sector to provide innovative visitor experiences, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to strengthen Oman’s appeal, further elevating the country’s position as a leading global tourism destination.