Oman is rapidly emerging as a preferred international destination for India’s thriving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. In 2024 alone, Oman welcomed 623,623 visitors from India, marking Indians as the country’s second-largest tourist group. But why exactly is Oman becoming a favoured choice for India’s corporate events?

Oman’s business appeal

Indian companies are increasingly recognising Oman’s distinct advantages. From its strategic geographic location to advanced infrastructure and renowned hospitality, Oman delivers an appealing blend of professionalism and cultural warmth that resonates strongly with the Indian corporate traveller.

An accessible gateway

One of Oman’s greatest strengths is its geographic accessibility. Muscat is conveniently positioned, with Dubai just a four-hour drive away, making Oman an ideal hub for companies looking to combine business obligations with regional exploration. Streamlined visa procedures further enhance the convenience for Indian travellers, enabling hassle-free travel and planning for large corporate groups.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Oman’s commitment to developing superior MICE infrastructure is clear through its ongoing investments in transportation, venues, and digital connectivity. This proactive development allows Oman to remain highly competitive in attracting international events. For Indian corporate travellers, this means seamless event planning, execution efficiency, and consistently high-quality experiences.

Hospitality and values

A standout feature of Oman’s growing popularity is its exceptional hospitality. Oman is known for its welcoming culture, characterised by warmth, authenticity, and personalised service. The region’s culturally attuned hospitality ensures a seamless blend of professionalism and local authenticity, enhancing corporate events and creating memorable experiences for attendees. Plus, with Muscat being the largest concentration of Indian expatriates, Omani businesses are able to pivot and accommodate Indian customs and traditions well. 

Competitive venues in Muscat’s hub

Muscat, Oman’s vibrant capital, hosts several state-of-the-art venues designed to accommodate a wide range of corporate events, from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences.

• Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC): One of the country’s flagship venues. The OCEC is equipped with advanced technological capabilities, expansive exhibition spaces, and versatile meeting rooms. It has already established itself as a trusted venue for major Indian corporate gatherings, including product launches and international conferences.
• Grand Hyatt Muscat: In addition to OCEC, Muscat offers an array of premium accommodations ideal for corporate travellers. The Grand Hyatt Muscat is renowned for its luxurious conference facilities and extensive business amenities, making it a preferred and five-star rated choice for high-profile meetings and executive retreats. Accommodating up to 700 attendees in the theatre. 
• InterContinental Muscat: Similarly, the strategically located InterContinental Muscat offers expansive and versatile meeting spaces, often favoured by corporate travellers for its blend of intimate convenience and sophisticated hospitality.
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat: Another prominent venue that consistently attracts corporate events with its cutting-edge meeting facilities, customisable event spaces, and renowned hospitality services. Its reputation for excellence in hosting business-focused events has positioned it as a top recommendation for companies planning international conferences and strategic meetings.

Salalah is expanding local opportunities 

Moving beyond Muscat, Salalah has emerged as another compelling destination for corporate gatherings, adding diversity and unique opportunities to Oman’s MICE offerings. Known for its lush landscapes and distinctive seasonal climate, Salalah offers corporate travellers a refreshing backdrop for meetings and retreats.

• Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara: This luxury seaside property combines serene natural beauty with facilities perfectly tailored for executive meetings, retreats, and strategic planning sessions. Its intimate yet productive environment resonates strongly with businesses looking for distinct corporate settings. 
• Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah: With spacious conference halls, adaptable meeting spaces, and comprehensive business amenities, it caters well to large corporate gatherings and formal business events up to 1,000 attendees.
• Hilton Salalah Resort: Located along the picturesque coastline but only 10 minutes to the city centre, it provides flexible meeting spaces and reliable professional services, making it ideal for larger conferences, seminars, and corporate events such as product launches.

Oman’s campaigns to capture India’s MICE market

Recognising India’s immense potential, Oman Tourism launched the “A Journey to Explore Oman” campaign in late 2023. This strategic initiative targets major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, using focused roadshows and promotional events. The goal is clear, to increase the influx of Indian visitors beyond the already impressive numbers seen in 2024, surpassing 700,000 annually.

Ultimately, Oman’s strategic efforts across its venues, hospitality and visa options are setting it apart on the international MICE stage, driving Indian business travellers to new and upcoming locations.