Oman Marks World Tourism Day 2026 with Focus on AI and Digital Tourism
Muscat, Oman — September 27, 2026: The Sultanate of Oman joins the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day 2026, highlighting the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of tourism.
This year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” reflects the rapid technological changes transforming the global tourism industry and the growing importance of data, digital services and AI in improving visitor experiences.
Tourism as a Pillar of Oman Vision 2040
Oman continues to position tourism as an important sector for economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040. The Sultanate’s diverse tourism assets include historic and archaeological sites, mountains, beaches, deserts, nature reserves and destinations for adventure, cultural and sustainable tourism.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working to develop these assets while preserving Oman’s heritage, cultural identity and natural resources and increasing the economic benefits generated for local communities.
Oman Records Growth in Tourist Visa Arrivals
Tourism indicators for the first seven months of 2026 show relative stability in Oman’s tourism sector despite regional and international challenges.
Oman recorded approximately 2.152 million arrivals between January and July 2026, compared with around 2.164 million during the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, arrivals on tourist visas increased by approximately 6.9%, reaching around 1.308 million visitors, compared with approximately 1.224 million during the corresponding period of 2025.
The Ministry is focusing on converting visitor growth into greater economic value by increasing tourists’ average length of stay and spending and encouraging visitors to explore a wider range of destinations and experiences across Oman.
AI and Digital Transformation in Oman Tourism
Artificial intelligence and data analytics are expected to become increasingly important in Oman’s tourism development.
Potential applications include analyzing visitor trends, identifying promising tourism markets, forecasting demand, creating personalized travel offers, improving promotional campaigns, managing visitor flows and providing multilingual digital assistance.
The Ministry is also advancing electronic tourism services, improving tourism data integration and strengthening the presence of Omani tourism products on local and international digital booking platforms.
Strengthening Air Connectivity and Tourism Resilience
Air connectivity, market diversification and crisis preparedness remain important priorities for Oman’s tourism sector.
The Ministry is working with government entities, airlines, airports, hotels, tourism companies and SMEs to strengthen connectivity and improve the overall visitor journey.
The GCC market also remains an important tourism market for Oman because of its geographical proximity, cultural similarities and ease of access. Tourism campaigns are being developed around family travel, youth tourism, adventure experiences, seasonal events and public holidays.
Supporting Local Communities and SMEs
Oman’s tourism development strategy also aims to increase opportunities for local communities and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The sector includes opportunities linked to heritage and culture, traditional crafts, creative industries, Omani cuisine, mountain villages, adventure activities and nature-based experiences.
New tourism and hotel projects are also contributing to increased accommodation capacity, greater choice for visitors and new investment and employment opportunities.
Building a Sustainable Digital Tourism Future
As Oman celebrates World Tourism Day 2026, the country is emphasizing a tourism model that combines technology and innovation with sustainability, cultural preservation and authentic Omani hospitality.
The continued development of digital services, responsible AI applications, tourism infrastructure and diverse visitor experiences is expected to support Oman’s long-term tourism objectives under Oman Vision 2040.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to work with partners across the public and private sectors to develop destinations, improve visitor experiences and strengthen tourism’s contribution to Oman’s economy and communities.
Source: Oman News Agency
