Oman Tourism Bodies Guide
Oman’s tourism sector is supported by government ministries, state-owned development companies, and regulatory bodies that coordinate strategy, develop infrastructure, and promote the Sultanate as a global tourism destination. These organisations work together to deliver Vision 2040’s ambitious tourism targets.
Key Facts
| Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Heritage and Tourism | Policy and regulation |
| Omran Group | Tourism asset development |
| Oman Tourism Development Company | Marketing |
| Muscat Municipality | Urban tourism |
| Governorate Offices | Regional tourism |
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is the primary government body responsible for tourism policy, heritage preservation, and tourism regulation. It manages UNESCO World Heritage Sites, issues tourism business licences, classifies hotels and tour operators, and coordinates international marketing campaigns.
Omran Group
Omran Group is Oman’s state-owned tourism development company responsible for developing and managing major tourism assets. Its portfolio includes the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Jebel Akhdar Hotel, and tourism destination developments. Omran partners with international hotel brands including Anantara, Alila, and Kempinski.
Tourism Marketing
The Experience Oman marketing initiative promotes the Sultanate in key source markets including the GCC, Europe, India, and China. Marketing campaigns emphasise Oman’s unique selling points: authentic culture, natural beauty, adventure tourism, and safety. Digital marketing and influencer partnerships drive awareness.
Heritage Preservation
The ministry oversees restoration and conservation of Oman’s forts, castles, and archaeological sites. Over 500 historic forts and castles have been catalogued, with ongoing restoration programmes at priority sites. The National Museum and Bait Al Zubair Museum preserve and display the nation’s cultural heritage.
Tourism Standards
Tourism quality standards cover hotel classification, tour guide licensing, adventure activity safety, and restaurant hygiene. The ministry conducts regular inspections and provides training programmes to maintain service quality across the tourism value chain.