With a double-digit growth of Indian tourist arrivals, Oman is betting big on the Indian outbound market.

In 2018, Oman recorded 12.37% growth in Indian tourist arrivals with 357,147 travellers visiting the country as compared to 317,844 last year, ranking India as the second highest source market for Oman. Keeping up with this growth trajectory, Oman has already witnessed a 17% increase in the period of January to April 2019 with 130,011 Indian visitors to Oman in comparison to 111,123 during the same period in 2018.

Lubaina Sheerazi, India representative of Ministry of Tourism, Oman said: “Tourism is on the rise and arrivals from India has significantly increased in the last few years. India represents a substantial and vast market for Oman, given the high percentage of travellers willing to travel to new destinations. We have been observing a steady year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals to Oman from India and have witnessed consistent growth.”

“While Mumbai is one of our primary source markets, Bengaluru and Pune have shown immense potential as we see a rise in the number of outbound travellers from these cities. They are constantly on the lookout for unique destinations and Oman fits the bill perfectly,” she added.

Looking at the growth in outbound travel from these regions, the Ministry of Tourism, Oman conducted roadshows in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai in a bid to strengthen its outreach among the travel trade industry of India.

Through the roadshows, the Ministry along with destination management companies, hotels, attraction operators and Oman Air connected with over 200 prominent travel and tour companies from the region.