Oman’s Hotel Sector Set for Rise With Unified GCC Visa

Along with other GCC countries, Oman is expected to benefit significantly from the upcoming GCC Grand Tours Visa. The visa is aimed at easing travel across member states and is set for a pilot rollout by the end of the year.

Ali Siddiqui, who serves as Research Manager at Cavendish Maxwell, stated that the hospitality sector in Oman is likely to see major gains. He pointed to the planned Oman-UAE Hafeet Rail as a key factor. The railway will improve access between the two countries, which will help tourists from the UAE visit Oman with greater ease.

Siddiqui explained that this improved cross-border link, paired with the unified visa, may result in more hotel bookings, longer stays, and greater spending by travelers. Current estimates suggest that visitors to Oman typically stay for five to six nights. Reducing travel restrictions could encourage more frequent and last-minute trips across the region.

The unified visa is expected to appeal not only to international tourists but also to GCC residents. It will allow multi-country travel within the region without the need for separate visas, which could boost intra-GCC tourism.

Cavendish Maxwell reports that by 2030, Oman plans to open 9,600 new hotel rooms. The expansion would increase the country’s total room supply of 36,000 by more than 25 percent.

The increase reflects strong investor confidence in the tourism sector and aligns with Oman’s strategy to support rising demand. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to attract over 6 million travelers annually by 2030 and reach 11 million by 2040.

Siddiqui noted that most of the new hotel projects focus on the 3-star to 5-star category. This segment continues to perform better than others in terms of occupancy rates. The development projects also include other mid-range options and hotel apartments. These are favored by guests who stay longer, such as corporate travelers and families who prefer self-catering services.

He stressed that maintaining quality in the hotel apartment segment will be essential. He warned that problems like poor housekeeping, worn-out furniture, lack of operational systems, or untrained staff can hurt the guest experience. Such issues may also lead to fewer repeat stays.

Demand for hotel apartments remains steady as business travelers, long-stay visitors, and families looking for more flexible lodging continue to prefer these setups.  If current trends continue, Oman’s expanding hotel sector appears to be in line with expected tourism growth across the Gulf.