Chairwoman of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Honoring those who have brought Oman’s heritage to the world; the Tourism Awards celebrate creativity and the beauty of the experience.
Vision of the Oman Tourism Awards:
The primary goal of launching the Oman Tourism Awards is to elevate the Omani tourism sector and celebrate excellence, innovation, quality, and sustainability. It also aims to contribute to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a distinguished global tourism destination that reflects the diversity of its nature and the richness of its heritage, culture, and experiences. The general objectives of the awards focus on promoting excellence in the tourism sector, embedding the principle of sustainability across various tourism activities in a way that supports Omani identity. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage innovation and create a positive competitive environment that contributes to promoting tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and supporting Oman Vision 2040.
The primary goal of launching the Oman Tourism Awards is to elevate the Omani tourism sector and celebrate excellence, innovation, quality, and sustainability. It also aims to contribute to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a distinguished global tourism destination that reflects the diversity of its nature and the richness of its heritage, culture, and experiences. The general objectives of the awards focus on promoting excellence in the tourism sector, embedding the principle of sustainability across various tourism activities in a way that supports Omani identity. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage innovation and create a positive competitive environment that contributes to promoting tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and supporting Oman Vision 2040.
Message from His Excellency, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism
The primary goal of launching the Oman Tourism Awards is to elevate the Omani tourism sector and celebrate excellence, innovation, quality, and sustainability. It also aims to contribute to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a distinguished global tourism destination that reflects the diversity of its nature and the richness of its heritage, culture, and experiences. The general objectives of the awards focus on promoting excellence in the tourism sector, embedding the principle of sustainability across various tourism activities in a way that supports Omani identity. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage innovation and create a positive competitive environment that contributes to promoting tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and supporting Oman Vision 2040.
The primary goal of launching the Oman Tourism Awards is to elevate the Omani tourism sector and celebrate excellence, innovation, quality, and sustainability. It also aims to contribute to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a distinguished global tourism destination that reflects the diversity of its nature and the richness of its heritage, culture, and experiences. The general objectives of the awards focus on promoting excellence in the tourism sector, embedding the principle of sustainability across various tourism activities in a way that supports Omani identity. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage innovation and create a positive competitive environment that contributes to promoting tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and supporting Oman Vision 2040.
Award Objectives
- Honoring a prominent figure in the tourism sector from the public sector who has made tangible contributions to the development of the sector, demonstrating exceptional vision, outstanding leadership, and innovation in achieving tourism goals.
- Honoring a prominent figure in the tourism sector from the private sector who has made tangible contributions and possesses extensive experience in the development of the sector.
- Honoring a prominent figure in the tourism sector from the public sector who has made tangible contributions to the development of the sector, demonstrating exceptional vision, outstanding leadership, and innovation in achieving tourism goals.
- Honoring a prominent figure in the tourism sector from the private sector who has made tangible contributions and possesses extensive experience in the development of the sector.
General Eligibility Criteria for Award Nomination:
- The nominee must be an active and outstanding individual or organization operating within the Sultanate of Oman (Omani or non-Omani).
- The establishment must have at least 3 years of experience at the time of the award application announcement for hotel and tourism facilities.
- No administrative closure decisions should have been issued against the hotel or tourism establishment within the three years prior to the nomination date.
- Applications will not be accepted from individuals or organizations with judicial rulings against them unless their legal status has been restored.
- All official documentation must be complete and valid.
- Registration must be done using licenses and personal data. The participant has one month from the date of registration to submit the required documents.
- The Ministry has the right to revoke the award from any winner if a violation of the terms is discovered.
- All participants must provide any information or data requested by the Ministry fully and truthfully. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Only one award will be given in each category. If the Ministry determines that more than one is equally deserving, the award may be shared.
- The application form can be downloaded from the Ministry’s promotional website (Discover Oman) or by visiting the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism headquarters in Al Khuwair.
Awards Categories
5-Star Hotels
3-Star Hotels
1-Star Hotels and Guesthouses
Camps (Standard and Luxury)
4-Star Hotels
Guest Houses
2-Star Hotels
Deluxe, Luxury, and Standard Hotel Apartments
Eco-Lodges
Heritage Inns
Travel Agencies
Tourism Offices and Tour Operators
Adventure Tourism Activity Companies
General Tour Guide—Omani
General Tour Guide – Non-Omani
Specialized Tour Guide – Omani
Specialized Tour Guide – Non-Omani
Tourist Villages
Best Traditional Omani Culinary Experience Award
Digital Tourism Platforms
Promotional Tourism Content
Tourism Content Creator
Honorary Award Categories (nominated by the public through electronic voting):
Best Community Tourism Initiative Award
Excellence in Omani Hospitality Award
Women's Empowerment Support in Tourism Award
Best Rated (Tourist) Restaurant in the Sultanate of Oman Award
Best Community Tourism Initiative Award
Best Signature Tourism Experience Award
Best Traditional Omani Culinary Experience Award
Judging Panel
The Judging Panel is responsible for overseeing the work of the Evaluation Committee, which submits a comprehensive report for final approval and the announcement of winners across various categories. The judging process is based on clear and rigorous criteria, including quality and excellence, innovation and creativity, sustainability and local content, economic and social impact, the tourism experience, and the promotion of national identity. The panel is composed of:
Alsayyida Rawan bint Ahmed bin Thabit Al Said
Member of the State Council, Board Member of the Central Bank of Oman, and expert in private sector investments
Her Excellency Halima bint Rashid Al-Zariyah
His Excellency Azan bin Qassim Al Busaidi
Esteemed Amira bint Iqbal Al-Lawati
Director General of Tourism Development and Ministry of Heritage and Tourism
Dean of the College of Economics and Political Science
Sultan Qaboos University
A member from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
A member from the Arab Tourism Organization
Benefits Granted to the Winners of the Oman Tourism Awards
- Media promotion.
- Prestige of leadership, enhanced reputation, spotlight on credibility, and recognition across the entire sector.
- Priority participation in the Ministry’s pavilions at global travel and tourism exhibitions.
- Promotion through the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s digital platform accounts.
- Benchmarking efforts against the best in the sector.
- Boosting team morale and celebrating collective achievements.
- Rights to use the “Oman Tourism Awards 2025” logo in promotional, marketing, and advertising materials.
- The winning establishment/company may use the logo for two years or until the next edition of the awards, to enhance brand credibility.
Marketing
Team Morale
Recognition
Benchmarking
Credibility
