MUSCAT: In the dynamic landscape of global tourism, the Middle East has emerged as a region of significant importance. Recent statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveal that Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, have witnessed substantial growth in the number of tourists during the first seven months of 2023. Among them, Oman stands out as among the top 20 destinations in the world that have experienced steady growth, highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional experiences for international travelers.
According to the UNWTO report, Oman's tourist arrivals recorded a commendable growth rate of 14% from January to July 2023.
This growth not only reflects the country's allure as a captivating tourist destination but also underscores its ability to attract visitors from around the world. Oman's diverse landscape, rich history, and warm hospitality have undoubtedly contributed to its rising popularity among travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences.
The significant growth rates observed in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman collectively reinforce the growing importance of the Middle East in the global tourism industry. These countries have made substantial investments in infrastructure development, hotel establishments, and tourism promotion campaigns, which have positively impacted their respective tourism sectors. The region's commitment to providing exceptional experiences for international travelers is exemplified by the increasing number of visitors flocking to explore its unique offerings.
Furthermore, the UNWTO report highlights that the Middle East has outperformed other regions in terms of tourism recovery, with arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 20%. The recovery rates in other regions were also noteworthy, with Africa achieving 92% of pre-pandemic visitors, Europe 91%, the Americas 87%, and Asia and the Pacific 61%. These figures indicate a gradual rebound of the global tourism industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As international travel restrictions continue to ease and vaccination rates rise, the global tourism industry has demonstrated encouraging signs of recovery. The UNWTO report reveals that international tourism has rebounded to 84% of pre-pandemic levels from January to July 2023, representing a 16% decline compared to the same period in 2019. The first seven months of 2023 witnessed approximately 700 million tourists traveling internationally, marking a significant increase of 43% compared to 2022.
For Oman, the steady growth in tourism arrivals signifies the country's success in attracting visitors and diversifying its economy. The tourism sector's contribution to Oman's gross domestic product (GDP) has been steadily increasing, creating job opportunities and driving economic growth. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the tourism sector posted a direct added value of RO 1.1 billion in 2022, a 33 percent increase from 2021 with RO 804.9 million. The tourism sector contributed 2.4 per cent to Oman's GDP.
The government, through the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s continued focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing infrastructure, will likely further propel Oman's tourism industry in the coming years.
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