Visit Oman: Lonely Planet Praise, New Tourism Indices and a Strong Showing at WTM London

Oman has had a fine week on the world stage. At World Travel Market in London, one of the travel industry's great annual gatherings, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism brought a pavilion of 29 Omani tourism institutions, Oman Airports among them, to meet travel partners and the media. The minister described the delegation's purpose simply: "We come to London with a message inviting the world to discover the Sultanate of Oman."

That invitation lands at a good time. In September, Lonely Planet named Oman among its Best in Travel 2027 destinations, praising its desert landscapes, soaring mountains and long coastline, and adding that the most memorable part of a trip is meeting the hospitable Omani people. Our Oman luxury vacation guide brings the country together in one place.

Oman's message in London leaned toward the traveler who values space, quiet and fine service. The ministry and Visa launched a campaign for Visa cardholders worldwide, presenting luxury, adventure and marine holidays through the Experience Oman platform, where packages can be booked with Visit Oman, the national travel operator. Oman also announced that it will host the Exclusive Wedding Planners Congress in 2027, with more than 500 participants from 80 countries, a natural fit for a country of palace hotels and private beaches; see our guide to luxury weddings in the Middle East.

October to April is the season, with warm days and calm seas. Our Muscat travel guide covers the capital's best hotels, the Royal Opera House and the Muttrah Souq, and the Lonely Planet favorites are all within reach: the Daymaniyat Islands for snorkeling, the old capital of Nizwa, and the car-free mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen.

For cool air and canyon views, add two nights at the resorts of Jebel Akhdar, and for the fjords of the north, a dhow cruise in Musandam. From the US, Oman is one easy connection away through the great Gulf hubs.