Oman's tourism ministry has announced plans to more than double the number of international visitors to the Sultanate over the next two decades, part of the government's strategy to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons amidst the steep drop in the oil price. The country has set a target to attract over five million international visitors a year by 2040, up from 2.6 million visitors last year, it was announced on Monday. It is also aiming to increase the percentage tourism contributes to gross domestic product (GDP) to 6%, from 2.5% at present, over the same period. Under the new strategy, authorities predict the tourism sector will employ over 500,000 people if it meets its 2040 targets, with 75% of those forecast to be Omani nationals. (Zawya)