The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is on the verge of realizing the objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. Although the goal was to achieve 33,000 hotel rooms by the close of 2025, recent statistics from the ministry, as of September 2023, indicate that the count stands at 32,371.

The targeted number of tourists for the year-end 2023 was set at 2.5 million, but by the end of October, Oman had already welcomed 2.9 million visitors.

The envisioned contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP, set at 2.75% for 2025, was nearly attained in 2022, with the GDP at constant prices reaching around 2.4%.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is actively employing statistical data to generate indicators that support decision-making in tourism and align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Amira Ali al Mahrouqiyya, the Director of the Information and Statistics Department, stated that collaboration with the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the Ministry of Labour, and Oman Tourism Development Company is ongoing to prepare and analyze statistical reports, enhancing the performance of the tourism sector.

MHT conducts comprehensive quarterly evaluations of plans related to Oman Vision 2040 goals, comparing them with achieved statistical indicators to guide the implementation of tourism plans and initiatives.

An ongoing arrivals and departures survey is a crucial project analyzing the tourism sector in the Sultanate, providing valuable information for decision-makers. The survey aims to collect data on tourists' numbers, as well as their economic, demographic, and social profiles.

MHT is targeting the establishment of investment projects worth RO3 billion by 2025 and plans to assess these projects annually. Additionally, the ministry is opening investment opportunities for local entities to manage and operate 15 historical landmarks to support cultural heritage and boost national income.

Khamis Humaid bin Hamad al Qasimi, Head of the Tourism Statistics Department, highlighted the strategic importance of the arrivals and departures survey, focusing on Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, and six land ports. Running from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the survey aims to gather reliable data for decision-making and support the economic diversification outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

Simultaneously, MHT is implementing targeted strategies to elevate tourism activities, aiming to increase the tourism sector's contribution to GDP from 2.4% in 2021 to an ambitious 5% by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 10% by 2040.