Qatar has emerged as a global destination in recent years, drawing in millions of visitors and tourists every year. Due to its fast-paced economic development over past two decades, a growing number of people are coming to Qatar for business, tourism and work. The football world cup last year was the high point of travel to Qatar, when around 1.5 million people came to Doha from across the globe. The world cup also led to massive infrastructural development in Qatar, which would continue benefitting local businesses in years to come.
Having a multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, and a global aviation hub, Hamad International Airport, coupled with a simplified visa regime have contributed to the rise in number of visitors to the country. In May 2023, Qatar welcomed 285,000 visitors, showing a year-on-year increase of 72 percent. Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council have been particularly increasing in recent years. They constituted 37 percent of total arrivals in May, according to statistics released by the Planning and Statistics Authority. This was followed by visitors from Asian countries, who made up 29 percent of total arrivals. Travellers from European and other Arab countries represented 17 percent and 9 percent of the total visitor arrivals, respectively.
Qatar has made huge investments in its tourism infrastructure, building world-class hotels, tourist attractions and an efficient and modern mass transit system. These efforts have helped position Qatar as an emerging tourism destination. Apart from its prosperity and economic development, Qatar is also characterised by peace, stability and safety. Global Peace Index (GPI) 2023 has ranked Qatar as the most peaceful country in the Middle East and North Africa, and 21st globally.
Cruise tourism has also been on the rise ever since the opening of the Grand Cruise Terminal at Old Doha Port last year. According to Qatar Tourism data, the country welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during its 2022/23 season (December 2022 – March 2023), an increase of 151 percent compared to the previous season, equivalent to 100,500 visitors.
The country has also put in place a simplified visit visa regime. The Hayya portal it launched for the world cup fans last year has been repurposed and expanded as a tourist visa portal. The validity of Hayya card, which served as fan ID and permit to enter Qatar during the world cup, has been extended until January 24, 2024. Over 95 nationalities already enjoy visa free access either through visa on arrival or visa-free entry into Qatar.
