Muscat, Oman – Skyscanner, the leading global travel marketplace, has unveiled the latest travel insights for outbound travel from Oman, just in time for the upcoming Oman National Day long weekend. Based on the orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21, 2024, have been declared official holidays for public and private sector employees to commemorate the 54th National Day.
The data, collected from January 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024, highlights the most popular destinations and significant year-over-year (YoY) increases in search and redirect volumes, providing valuable insights for travelers planning their holiday getaways.
Top 10 Destinations
India emerged as the top destination country, with Mumbai leading as the most popular city. This trend is driven by the strong cultural and familial ties between Oman and India, as well as the diverse attractions that Mumbai offers. Oman itself ranked second, with Muscat being a favored destination, reflecting the growing interest in domestic travel and the rich cultural heritage of the capital city.
The UAE, particularly the city of Dubai, continues to attract travelers from Oman due to its proximity and the allure of its luxury shopping, entertainment, and modern architecture. Thailand, with Phuket as a key destination, appeals to travelers seeking exotic beaches and vibrant street life.
Türkiye and Egypt, with Istanbul and Cairo respectively, are seeing increased interest for their historical sites and unique cultural experiences. Italy and the United Kingdom round out the top ten, being perennial favorites for their rich history and cultural offerings.
Trending Destinations
Emerging travel hotspots with remarkable YoY search increases include Giza (1241%), driven by its iconic pyramids and historical significance, and Mopa (369%), likely due to new travel routes and increased accessibility. Yangon (268%) and Pristina (220%) are gaining popularity for their unique cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path appeal. Tirana (198%) and Krakow (155%) attract travelers with their rich history and vibrant city life. Tiruchirapalli (154%), Almaty (114%), Darbhanga (114%), and Victoria (112%) are also seeing increased interest, reflecting a broader trend of travelers exploring diverse and less traditional destinations.
Significant YoY Increases in Searches
Significant YoY increases in searches were observed on April 22, 2024 (81% increase), June 29, 2024 (71% increase), and October 1, 2024 (36% increase). These spikes suggest heightened interest in travel planning during these periods, especially around possibly influenced by seasonal holidays, special events and the new