Oman wins Emerging Tourist Destination Award for 2026

The Sultanate of Oman won the Emerging Tourism Destination Award for 2026, presented by the Spanish travel magazine Viajar, during a ceremony attended by representatives from the travel and tourism sectors and the media in Spain.

This award highlights countries that offer outstanding and innovative tourism experiences that have attracted the attention of the Spanish travel market.

Oman was selected in recognition of the diversity of its unique tourism product, the wide range of travel experiences it offers, and its balanced blend of historical heritage, cultural richness and varied landscapes. It was also recognised for its firm commitment to a sustainable tourism model that respects its identity and aims to offer authentic experiences.

Oman is also distinguished by diverse and innovative tourism patterns that meet different expectations and support various global travel trends. This makes it an ideal destination for leisure and relaxation, cultural and civilisational experiences, adventure activities and cruise journeys.

Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said that the selection of Oman as an emerging tourism destination is a result of the tourism experiences it offers. These suit the Spanish tourist and meet their wishes and expectations.

He also pointed to the growth in tourism performance indicators and to innovative plans and programmes targeted at different groups, in addition to intensified promotional campaigns and programmes that highlight Oman’s assets and the diversity of its offerings.

He added that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to benefit from global experiences and to strengthen relations and areas of cooperation in order to keep pace with developments in tourism markets. It also aims to target non-traditional tourism markets such as the Spanish and related markets.

This work will be done in cooperation with partners in airlines, travel and tourism offices and other relevant entities. The Ministry also provides facilitation measures to create an ideal tourism environment for all. It seeks to make use of the unique seasons that distinguish the governorates of Oman to highlight its diverse potential, as well as offering tourism packages and exclusive offers provided by Omani tourism companies and institutions.

In another development, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism organised a meeting with leading Spanish tourism companies to enhance opportunities for cooperation and build strategic partnerships that contribute to promoting the Omani tourism product and expanding its reach in targeted markets.

During the meeting, a range of tourism experiences, specialised programmes and diverse products offered by the tourism sector in Oman were reviewed. The meeting also highlighted the heritage, cultural and natural assets found across different governorates. This reflects the diversity of Oman’s tourism product and strengthens its competitiveness as an integrated tourism destination at both regional and international levels.

The Ministry also stressed the importance of partnership with tourism institutions in supporting promotional efforts and opening new horizons for cooperation with global markets, particularly European markets.

These efforts reaffirm the Oman’s commitment to developing the tourism sector in line with the highest standards of quality and sustainability. They also strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination that offers authentic experiences combining rich heritage with diverse nature, in line with the expectations of tourists from around the world.