It’s not the UAE. There’s another Gulf destination popular among Indian tourists, Find out the secret place that is attracting millions

Adventure sports are gaining popularity among tourists visiting Oman and tourism is one of the main five focus areas for the country development plan and Vision 2040 plan.

Al Busaidi, the undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in a statement said, “We are now seeking more diversity in segments of travellers. We plan to engage continuously with travel agents from India.” 

According to recent trends, Indians are flocking in thousands to the middle eastern country as Oman has a pristine coastline and scenic beauties of mountains to offer along with arab culture hospitality. There has been a rise of 70 percent in Indian tourists going to Oman to spend their holidays and have a good vacation experience.

Over 6 lakh Indian visitors set their foot in the country in 2024, a huge 70 percent increase to last year. This data is per the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

“We hope to surpass this number in 2024. The closeness and proximity between India and Oman makes one feel almost at home. This momentum shows no sign of slowing, with the first five months of 2024 already showing a 15 percent increase in arrivals”, Undersecretary Busaidi said.

India is Oman’s largest tourism market beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Of the total 40 lakh tourists visiting Oman, 6.25 lakh tourists were from India. Adventure sports is a part of tourism diversity as travellers are divided or segmented and this is actually a plan to bring growth that is being targeted by the government in Oman.

The amount of travel restrictions from both countries, India and Oman, are at a minimal level and the framework is very flexible and very open. Al Busaidi, the undersecretary said in a statement, “I met with the Indian Tourism minister. The meetings were very positive and constructive.” The Omani Sultanate Immigration offers visa on arrival for Indian citizens holding US and Schengen (EU countries) passports.

Residential workshops would be conducted focussing on consumer protection and luxury brand promotions as discussed in the bilateral meeting between the two ministers. There was a road show in Mumbai by the tourism ministry of the Omani Sultanate last week.

India Oman Bilateral Relations:

The two nations enjoy warm and cordial relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1995, and the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. The embassy of Oman is located in New Delhi while the Indian embassy to Oman is situated in the Sultanate’s capital city, Muscat.

Salalah Port and India Oman Bilateral Relations:

India and Oman have been doing a lot of naval exercises using the Salalah Port in the presence of the Chinese in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean Region. The Indo Oman bilateral trade has reached a figure of $12.4 billion and talks are on way to strengthen it to make a comprehensive economic partnership.