Tourism arrivals to rise five% annually by 2023: Report

Commissioned by ATM, the Colliers International information predicts the rise will be fuelled by guests from India, who accounted for 21 per cent of total international arrivals throughout 2018.

In addition, arrivals from the UK (9 per cent), Germany (7 per cent), Philippines (six per cent) and the UAE (six per cent) are also anticipated to contribute to the development, supported by the expansion of Muscat International Airport, new and enhanced flight connections and new electronic and quick keep visa processes.

Looking to obtain their share of these higher-development markets at ATM 2019 will be a quantity of exhibitors from the sultanate, which includes the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Air, The Chedi Muscat, Al Fawaz Tours and Al Bustan Palace – a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. 

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director Middle East, Arabian Travel Market stated, “The latest data demonstrates the growth in tourism arrivals to Oman and is set to continue as we look ahead to 2023, supported by the recently opened Muscat International Airport expansion as well as strategic investment from the government as it turns to tourism to diversify its income streams away from hydrocarbon receipts.”

Danielle added, “Despite facing significant competition from other popular regional destinations, Oman has distinguished itself as a unique tourism destination over the past few years – with a wide-range of responsible, eco, cultural and heritage attractions on offer.”

While India is anticipated to stay Oman’s leading supply marketplace more than the subsequent 5 years – accounting for 389,890 of tourism arrivals by 2023 – the Philippines is projected to witness the highest CAGR, at 11 per cent compared with 3 per cent for India.

The UK, Oman’s second biggest supply marketplace, is forecast to closely adhere to with a CAGR of nine per cent, although Germany and the UAE will expertise comparative growths of seven per cent and two per cent respectively.

Reflective of this projected development, throughout ATM 2018, the quantity of delegates, exhibitors and attendees interested in carrying out company with Oman improved 67 per cent compared to the 2017 edition of the show.

Danielle stated, “Similar to tourism arrivals, the number of attendees who visit ATM in order to break into the Omani market is also rising. As this looks set to continue in 2019, we look forward to facilitating business opportunities that will drive the unprecedented level of development planned over the coming years.”

Information Source: Muscat Daily