Tourism in Oman: a growing industry and what it means for investors

Tourism is one of the main sectors Oman is developing to diversify its economy. The country's appeal lies in what others in the region cannot easily offer: authentic heritage, dramatic mountains and wadis, deserts, turtle beaches, the green khareef of Dhofar and a calm, safe atmosphere.

What attracts visitors

• Heritage: forts such as Nizwa, Bahla and Jabrin, souqs and UNESCO sites.
• Nature: Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams, wadis, the Sharqiya Sands, the Daymaniyat Islands and the fjords of Musandam.
• Coast: beaches, diving, dolphins and turtles.
• Seasons: winter sun for Europeans and the cool khareef in Dhofar for Gulf visitors in summer.

Hotels and resorts

Muscat and Salalah have a wide range of international hotels, while mountain and desert resorts offer distinctive experiences. Hotel supply has grown significantly over the past decade.

Integrated Tourism Complexes

ITCs such as Al Mouj, Muscat Bay, Aida and Hawana Salalah combine hotels, homes and leisure. Foreigners can buy homes inside them, which links tourism directly to real estate investment and residency.

Policy support

Visa easing, including visa-free entry for many nationalities and new tourist visa categories, and investment in airports and roads support growth.

Investment angle

Holiday homes in tourism complexes can be rented to visitors when owners are away, subject to licensing. Demand is strongest in winter in Muscat and in the khareef in Salalah.

How R2LUX helps

We sell homes in Oman's leading tourism complexes. Current listings are below.