Oman's Tourism Sector Surges: 9,600 New Hotel Rooms by 2030
A recent report by leading real estate advisory firm Cavendish Maxwell confirms that the Sultanate of Oman is embarking on a massive expansion of its hospitality sector, projecting the addition of 9,600 new hotel rooms by 2030. This ambitious development will boost Oman's current hotel inventory of 36,000 rooms by over 25%, marking a new era for tourism in the country.
Key Findings from the H1 2025 Performance:
Financial Growth: Revenues for 3- to 5-star hotels surged by 18.2% in the first half of 2025, driven by higher visitor volumes and increased domestic spending.
Occupancy Increase: Hotel occupancy rates averaged nearly 55%, a notable 14% rise from the previous year, showing strong and consistent demand.
Visitor Numbers: Omani hotels welcomed 1.1 million guests in H1 2025, representing a 9.2% increase year-on-year. While domestic travelers accounted for the largest share, arrivals from Europe, Asia, and the GCC continue to drive growth.
Future Vision: The expansion is fueled by strategic government investment and a focus on tourism diversification beyond Muscat. New developments, including a mixed-use mountain destination in Jabal Akhdar and several new regional airports, are planned to solidify tourism as the second-largest contributor to Oman's GDP by 2040.
Muscat continues to strengthen its high-end portfolio with major international names, signaling confidence in the capital's appeal for affluent travelers and exclusive events.
- Nobu Hotel & Restaurant: The celebrated Japanese-Peruvian fusion brand, Nobu, is slated to open a hotel and restaurant, providing a new layer of bespoke luxury and world-class culinary experiences.
- Nikki Beach Resort & Spa: Known for its lively, high-energy beach club atmosphere, a Nikki Beach property will add a significant lifestyle and entertainment dimension to Muscat's coastal offerings.
- Anantara Bandar Al Khairan Resort: Anantara properties are synonymous with luxury and wellness, making this new resort a perfect fit for honeymooners and couples seeking secluded elegance.
Read: Voco Muscat Al Mouj To Open in Q4 2025. For Hotels & Resorts in Muscat click here.
Regional Diversification: Dhofar and Jabal Akdhar
A key strategy is moving beyond the capital to develop unique regional experiences, which is excellent news for couples looking for distinctive wedding backdrops:
- Dhofar (Salalah): This region, famous for its unique monsoon (Khareef) season, is set to welcome five new Tui Hotels. This expansion will significantly boost Salalah's capacity, positioning it as a major leisure hub. For Hotels & Resorts in Salalah, click here.
- Jabal Akdhar (The Green Mountain): This stunning high-altitude region is seeing plans for a major new, mixed-use destination that includes a dedicated health and wellness village and an impressive 2,000 hotel rooms. This mountain location offers a dramatic, cool-weather alternative to the beach resorts. For Hotels & Resorts in Jabal Akhdar, click here.
This growth signifies a tremendous opportunity for the destination wedding industry, as new, high-end properties and infrastructure enhance Oman's appeal as a premier choice for luxury international events and memorable honeymoons.
