ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM TO OMAN ECONOMY

Abstract

Oman economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues. Crude oil accounts for more than half of totalexport earnings, The crude oil sector is the major contributor to the GDP of the Sultanate with almost half (morethan %40). Agriculture and fishery industry are considered as the other industries may possibly effect on reducingthe economic disparities while contributing positively on GDP. Contraty that agriculture is far from the desiredcontribution to economy. So the next the main trigger may become the tourism industry which will contributethe overall economy, by supporting the other industries and on the other hand making the triggering effect etc.The reason of this approach can be easily seen since Oman carries great tourism potential when considered itsgeographical point, nature, history, culture, climate etc. In its economic impact report for 2017, the WTTC placedOman ninth in the world in terms of overall tourism industry growth. The purpose of this study is to explain thepositive economic impacts of tourism in general and as in the case of Oman, from the point of income generating,employment effect and other impacts.