Tourexpi
In the same period, room revenues climbed by nearly 21%, occupancy rose by 13%, hotel guest numbers grew by 9% and employment in the hospitality sector increased by 5.3%, the company said.
By the end of September, Oman had 36,300 hotel rooms in operation, with another 1,000 set for completion in Q4 2025. With another 3,000 planned for the next two years, room inventory is set to reach 40,300 by the end of 2027, according to Cavendish Maxwell’s latest insight and analysis of Oman’s hospitality sector.
In addition, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is further boosting the sector with OMR100 million (US$260 million) worth of usufruct agreements covering hotels, resorts and integrated developments, while ongoing marketing campaigns are strengthening Oman’s position as a year-round destination.
Oman’s 3-5 star hotels welcomed 1.7 million guests in the first nine months of year, compared to 1.5 million in the same period in 2024, with the Khareef season further boosting visitor numbers.
Khalil Al Zadjali, Head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Oman’s hospitality industry performed strongly to the end of Q3 2025, with robust demand from domestic and international travellers. Government investment, population growth, targeted marketing initiatives and evolving travel patterns are all playing key roles in the success of the sector, which is set to enjoy further growth, resilience and diversity in 2026 and beyond.”
The research, which covers the first nine months of 2025, with a focus on 3-5 star hotels, also shows:
• Hotel occupancy rose to almost 53%, a year-on-year increase of over 13% • Average room rates reached OMR45.3 (US$117) – up 1.3% on the same period in 2024 • Omani nationals accounted for the majority of guests, making up nearly 4 in every 10 travellers (38.1%). Europeans are second, followed by Asians and GCC visitors • Oman’s airports handled 11.2 million passengers, with 9.8 million (87.4%) using Muscat International Airport
Occupancy levels
Hotel occupancy rose 13.1% to reach an average of almost 53% between January and September, with the strong performance driven by several factors including a rise in demand for leisure travel and an improved summer season supported by the #WithinOman tourism initiative. The Khareef season, which falls from late June to early September, also boosted overall visitor numbers. April saw the highest occupancy, followed by January and August.
Room rates
Average room rates in the first nine months of the year were OMR45.3 (US$117), just 1.3% higher year-on-year. The slight increase demonstrates that hotels are focusing on driving occupancy and optimising inventory usage, rather than pursuing aggressive price increases to achieve revenue growth. Room rates were highest in April, followed by February and August.
Travellers’ source markets
Oman’s domestic market made up the biggest share of hotel guests between January and September, with Omani nationals accounting for nearly 678,000 (38.1%). Europeans took a share of almost 25% with 425,000 check-ins, with Asian travellers making up 1 in 7 guests (14.4%). Next were travellers from the GCC, other Arab countries, The Americas, Oceania and Africa.
Airport traffic
Around 11.2 million people flew in and out of Oman’s airports in the first nine months of the year, a modest year-on-year increase of 0.7%. Despite reduced operations at Suhar International Airport, total passenger volumes across the country’s airport network are expected to reach up to 14.9 million, compared to 14.5 million in 2024.
Passenger traffic remained heavily concentrated at Muscat International, which handled 9.8 million travellers, or 87.4% of the total, underscoring the airport’s position as the main gateway for business and leisure trips. Salalah International Airport was the key secondary hub, accounting for 1.4 million passengers (12%). The Khareef season generated more than a fifth (21%) of Salalah Airport’s total passenger volumes.
Full report can be found here https://cavendishmaxwell.com/insights/market-reports/hospitality/oman-hospitality-market-performance-q3-2025
Picture Credit: © schamane27
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
Read the News

Eurowings expands its Berlin base
Growth to eleven aircraft strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s market leadership and long-term strategy in Germany’s capital city

