Cruising Market in Oman: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

The worldwide cruise industry has expanded over the past decades. For many countries, it has become a significant source of income. Cruising is considered as a holiday that gives a “flavour” of each country, albeit a brief one, so if interested, the country or region could be visited another time for longer period. Cruising companies have succeed in attracting more customer segments by offering a wide range of durations, itineraries, and prices. Prices vary according to the time of year, itinerary and level of luxury.
The 1990s witnessed the beginnings of cruising to Oman’s three main ports: Salalah Port in Dhofar governorate, Sultan Qaboos Port in
the capital, Muscat, and Khasab Port in Musandam Peninsula. This study aims to explore the Omani cruising market in relation to worldwide cruise industry dynamics. To achieve the aim of the study two objectives were
identified: To portray the worldwide cruise line industry, To assess the status of cruise tourism in Oman.
Disputes about the economic benefits of cruising have been raised; Who is getting the benefit? Is it the destination ports or the locals? Cruise tourists spend less money an d time in Oman than other tourists, but the assumption that a short, professionally handled experience in Oman would bring them back for longer visits cannot be underestimated. As a cruising destination, Oman has great potential for growth and development in the future.