The State of Qatar has been attracting an ever-rising number of visitors and tourists over the years. Following global travel disruptions and shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar’s tourism sector has seen increasing activity. The FIFA Arab Cup starting later this month and the global spectacle of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as well as numerous other international events scheduled in the country are expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors. The country’s tourism sector led by Qatar Tourism is fully prepared to welcome the guests, who will be able to sample the authentic Arabian culture and hospitality and a multicultural cuisine and society.
Doha has served as an international aviation hub and is now fast becoming a world-class tourism destination. The country is aiming to receive over six million international visitors a year by 2030. A mega three-day travel industry fair, Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2021, will conclude at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center today.
“Tourism has immense potential to create a real positive impact across all these pillars, creating new jobs, growing GDP and diversifying our economy. By 2030, we aim to attract over six million international visitors a year; to increase travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP to 12 percent, and to double employment in the sector,” said Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, at the opening of QTM 2021.
It’s a bold target, but the country has all the ingredients — from spectacular city skylines, to a burgeoning arts and culinary scene, and stunning desert landscapes — to become a leading tourism destination. Tourism and travel are a crucial component of Qatar’s future and its economy. The Qatar National Vision 2030 sets out a roadmap to become an advanced society capable of maintaining a high standard of living for its citizens, residents, and visitors.
Even through the difficult times of the pandemic, the country was able to continue progress on its development and 2022 hosting journey, completing a number of world cup venues well ahead of time. Apart from the shining new mega football stadiums, the region’s leading education, research and innovation hub at Qatar Foundation’s Education City; a model design, creativity and sustainability district at Msheireb Downtown Doha; the new sustainable seaside city of Lusail; and a burgeoning arts and culture scene led by Qatar Museums and Doha Film Institute are some of major new tourist attractions the country has to offer. Qatar Airways, the largest long haul international airline in the world, and HIA, the world’s best airport, are complementing the country’s efforts.
