Indeed, tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and countries from world over, particularly attracted by its inspiring economic potentials, are in a hurry to develop tourism further. Eventually, international tourism sector is featured with hyper competitiveness, as stiff competition is existing among the destination countries at world level as well as at regional levels. GCC has become a major tourism region and almost all the countries in it are in a race to attract more and more tourists. Subsequently, countries are bracing up all the strategies to gain competitive advantage. Destination competitiveness is a concept in wide discussion. In that context, many countries, particularly the developed ones, are undergoing its evaluation to often strengthen the attributes, and factors associated with competitiveness. Sultanate of Oman has already become an International tourist destination and is poised for further development and growth in tourism. Along with the developmental strides, it seems inevitable to evaluate the destination competitiveness of Oman as a tourist destination in order to compete better in the international tourism market. Here, an attempt is being done to evaluate the relative destination competitiveness of Oman in the GCC region, particularly, and to identify factors and attributes which are favorable and unfavorable so as to take necessary steps to strengthen the favorable aspects and to minimize the unfavorable aspects so that Oman remains competitive in the international market, while growing strategically. As per the study, Sultanate of Oman is competing internationally with its attributing factors associated with Core resources and attractions; Qualifying and Amplifying Determinants; and Supporting factors and resources. Whereas, the factors associated with destination policy, planning, development, marketing etc. do need increased focus to make the country more competitive. The output of the study has significance in terms of policy development, planning, marketing and in making development agendas and programmes.

Indeed, tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and countries from world over, particularly attracted by its inspiring economic potentials, are in a hurry to develop tourism further. Eventually, international tourism sector is featured with hyper competitiveness, as st...