Oman’s Hotels Project Growth With Unified GCC Tourist Visa

Oman is set to benefit from the planned GCC Unified Visa, which will allow smoother travel across GCC states. The visa is scheduled for the pilot phase by the end of 2025.

Ali Siddiqui, Research Manager at Cavendish Maxwell, noted that this move could significantly benefit Oman’s hospitality sector. He said the upcoming Oman-UAE Hafeet Rail would improve travel links between the two countries. With easier access from the UAE, more tourists are likely to enter Oman.

He added that a unified visa, combined with cross-border rail connectivity, could lead to an increase in hotel stays, longer visit durations, and higher tourist spending. Tourists visiting Oman currently stay for five to six nights on average. Fewer travel restrictions may lead to more impulsive trips and more frequent regional visits.

The unified visa is not limited to international travelers. It is also expected to appeal to GCC residents. The system will allow visitors to move across multiple GCC countries without applying for separate entry permits, which could increase intra-GCC travel.

Cavendish Maxwell reports that Oman plans to add 9,600 hotel rooms by 2030. The addition would raise the current total of 36,000 rooms by more than 25 percent. The move supports the government’s tourism goals and reflects investor confidence in the sector’s outlook.

According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman aims to attract over 6 million visitors per year by 2030. The target increases to 11 million by 2040. To meet this demand, most new hotel developments will fall into the 3-star to 5-star range, which consistently reports stronger occupancy.

Mid-range hotels and hotel apartments are also part of the planned expansion. These properties attract longer-stay guests, including business travelers and families who prefer accommodations with self-catering options.

Siddiqui warned that quality standards must be upheld, especially in the hotel apartments. He cited issues such as worn-out interiors, poor housekeeping, missing operational systems, or untrained staff as factors that can reduce guest satisfaction. He also stressed that such problems may lower the chances of repeat bookings.

Despite these risks, demand for hotel apartments remains stable. Business travelers, long-stay visitors, and families continue to seek flexible lodging options. With infrastructure and visa improvements underway, Oman’s hotel sector appears well aligned with the region’s projected tourism growth.