Qatar’s ambitious plans to promote country’s tourism sector with concrete strategies are succeeding as the country is becoming a destination of choice for visitors from the region and beyond. Qatar has established itself as one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations offering a unique blend of rich Arabian heritage and modern amenities that have enchanted visitors for years.
Qatar’s tourism industry is rapidly growing with a focus on luxury experiences and cultural attractions to attract high-end travellers. The country’s revenue from the travel and tourism market in 2024 is projected at $1,168m (QR4,262.366m), according to the latest updates from Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform. It is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 2.95%, which will result in a projected market volume of $1,351m (QR4,930.185m) by 2029. The largest component in Qatar’s travel and tourism sector is the hotels market, with a projected market volume of $526.2m (QR1,919.524m) in 2024, it said.
Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, Saad Bin Ali Kharji, has said that Qatar welcomed over 3.2 million visitors by the end of August this year, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023. He added, “The recent unveiling of the Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030 is a testament to this commitment, outlining the road-map for the next phase of Qatar’s development and aiming to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030”.
“Among its key focus areas, the strategy highlights the tourism sector as a pivotal component in the country’s economic diversification efforts, crucial for driving sustainable economic growth”.
The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector also plays a crucial role in tourism growth, with 128 venues providing 70,000 square meters of exhibition space for major international events such as the Web Summit and the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar, he added.
Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, also plays a pivotal role in this growth, connecting Doha to over 177 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Recognised multiple times as Skytrax’s Airline of the Year, Qatar Airways is renowned for its exceptional service and extensive network, making it a top choice for travelers. Qatar has also emerged as a premier cruise destination. The new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha offers seamless connectivity to the city’s key attractions, including the Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and Souq Waqif.
The 2023/24 cruise season saw 73 cruise visits with 347,000 passengers, featuring notable ships such as the Norwegian Dawn and Star Legend, which used Doha as a homeport.
