Saturday 20 / December / 2025
Muscat :The Sultanate of Oman recorded notable achievements in meetings and conferences in tourism sector in 2025, with economic returns reaching around OMR15 million. This growth was driven by an increase in corporate meetings and incentive programmes, with more than 100 groups attracted during the year.
Regional and international conferences hosted by the Sultanate have also shown steady growth, with 24 conferences attracted since the beginning of 2025, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen Oman’s position as a preferred destination for events, meetings and incentive tourism.
These results reflect the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s commitment to developing business tourism as part of its broader strategy to enhance Oman’s presence on the global tourism map and support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Khalid bin Walid Al Zadjali, Director of Oman Convention Bureau at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the Ministry successfully attracted and coordinated several major international and regional conferences in 2024.
These included the International Conference of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which drew 2,300 participants and generated an economic return of OMR1.86 million, and the Middle East and Africa Council of Ophthalmology Conference, which achieved returns of OMR1.2 million. In addition, several incentive groups were attracted from global markets, most notably a group of 1,600 visitors from Italy with an economic return of OMR2 million, as well as another group of 1,400 visitors generating OMR420,000.
In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Al Zadjali noted that the economic impact of incentive and conference tourism is three to five times higher than that of other tourism products.
He explained that business tourists typically opt for higher-value services, including premium accommodation and transportation, and require extensive logistical support such as conference venues, hospitality services and event management, thereby benefiting a wider range of economic sectors.
He added that such events also contribute to knowledge exchange, capacity building and the development of organisational and administrative expertise across various fields, including healthcare, energy and other sectors.
He highlighted the integration of efforts between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and other entities to support the sector, including coordination with the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, academic and scientific institutions, and the private sector, to facilitate procedures and promote Oman as a destination for incentive and conference tourism.
Al Zadjali explained that the Ministry is working to further develop the sector by building the capacities of tourism professionals, cooperating with partner institutions, and attracting international organizations to host their conferences in Oman. Promotion efforts target key markets through participation in specialized international exhibitions and events, as well as through workshops in markets such as Russia, Germany and Spain. Oman also regularly participates in the World Congress and Summit Association conference and hosts familiarization visits for conference organisers.
He added that promotion is carried out in partnership with the private sector, including hotel groups operating in Oman, and that approved mechanisms are in place to measure economic returns based on the type of event, number of participants, length of stay and associated activities.
On infrastructure readiness, Al Zadjali said ongoing expansion of tourism infrastructure will support rising demand and further development.
He noted that incentive and conference tourism is a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040, with efforts underway to attract events to various governorates, including Dhofar outside the Khareef season and Al Dakhiliyah, which has become a popular destination for incentive tourism due to its distinctive attractions.
He affirmed that Oman’s diverse natural landscapes, stability, modern infrastructure—led by the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and high-quality hotel facilities—along with its cultural authenticity, strategic location and ease of access, collectively position the Sultanate as an ideal destination for hosting international conferences and incentive programs seeking quality and distinction.
