Oman overhauls tourism regulations with stricter reporting, lower fees, and foreign investment openings

In the spring of 2026, Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism replaced a regulatory framework that had shaped its hospitality sector for nearly a quarter century, signaling a deliberate reorientation toward openness, accountability, and diversified growth. The new rules reduce financial barriers for hotel operators, mandate comprehensive data sharing between businesses and the state, and for the first time allow foreign tourism companies to establish a direct presence without local intermediaries. This overhaul is not merely administrative housekeeping—it is a structural expression of Oman Vi