Halal Tourism Push in Salalah: Oman kicked off a three-day “Halal Tourism” workshop in Salalah to back standards, certification and consistent service benchmarks for hotels, restaurants and tourism operators, aiming to turn Oman’s strong Muslim-traveller appeal into wider commercial value. New Direct Air Link: SalamAir launched its first direct Muscat–Sylhet flight, becoming the first foreign airline to serve Sylhet on a scheduled basis and boosting connectivity for Bangladeshis in Oman. Hormuz Shipping Security Jolt: Two oil supertankers were hit by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, with crews reported safe and no environmental impact reported—another reminder of how regional tensions can ripple into travel and trade. Regional Flight Demand Softening: Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.5% year-on-year drop in passenger demand in July, while cargo demand rose slightly, as conflict uncertainty continues to affect travel patterns. Thailand Visa-Free Cut: Thailand reduced visa-free stays for tourists from 60+ countries including Oman from 60 days to 30 days from Sept 15, tightening entry rules for travellers planning Southeast Asia trips. Oman–GCC Tourism Data Work: The GCC Statistical Centre held a Muscat workshop on innovation in tourism statistics, focusing on better data integration across hotels, airports and border crossings to support Vision 2040 planning.