In 2022, Oman’s main ports, adding the Sultan Qaboos tourist port, Salalah port and Khasab port, gained an average of 77 vessels with 85,092 tourists.
Oman’s tourism sector is experiencing a huge boom with the increasing number of cruise ships docking in Omani ports.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism predicts that before the end of the year, more than 100,000 foreign tourists will visit Oman aboard cruise ships, making more than 142 port calls.
This increase in cruise tourism is not only expected to benefit the tourism industry but also have a positive ripple effect on retail and transportation, thanks to the resurgence of tourism-related activities post-Covid.
In 2022, Oman’s main ports, adding the Sultan Qaboos tourist port, the port of Salalah and the port of Khasab, gained an average of 77 vessels with 85,092 tourists. This number is expected to increase to at least 25 percent in 2023, construction in the Steady growth observed over the past four years, which recorded a 43. 6 percent increase in the number of cruise tourists in 2019, for a total of 283,488 passengers.
The ministry attributes this expansion in the number of boats and tourists visiting Oman to government initiatives, such as infrastructure progress and strong tourism campaigns showcasing Oman’s culture, heritage, varied adventures, and popular attractions. In addition, the winter season from October to April 2023 is expected to see the highest influx of tourists.
The ministry is actively engaging with government entities, the personal sector, shipping owners and operators to expand cruise tourism in Oman and power local ports to accommodate larger cruise shipments. Unlike in the past, when shipments simply passed through Omani waters, more and more ships need to dock in Omani ports, thanks to the government’s open-door policies, which have led to greater economic opportunities for Omanis, SMEs and start-ups.
A customized excursion program for cruise ship excursionists includes visits to Muscat’s archaeological and hiking attractions, such as the forts, the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, the Corniche, and more. In addition, landmarks in Dhofar governorate, as well as the archaeological site of Al Baleed. , Sumharam, Al Mughassil, Al Haffa Market and Taqah Fort are on the itinerary.
According to Oman’s cruise port calendar for 2023, those ships are expected to bring more than 150,000 passengers to Oman and dock at the three main ports. Some tourists will spend a day or two exploring the sultanate, while others will depart the same day after visiting. the most sought-after tourist destinations.
In 2024, several leading cruise ships, including Costa Toscana, AIDAcosma, MSC Opera, Mein Schiff 6, Queen Mary 2 and Norwegian Jade, are expected to call at Oman. Oman’s ambitious cruise tourism plans are in line with its growing popularity in the European market and government policies have led to an increasing number of charter flights and cruises opting for Oman as a destination. This increase in the number of cruise ships not only improves the tourism sector but also contributes particularly to Oman’s economy. 2022 © All Rights reserved to the Press, Publications and Publicity Institution of Oman (OEPPA) provided through SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate. info).
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