Qatar Tourism Exceeds Five Million Visitors For 2024

Posted by author February 1, 2025 World

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Qatar’s tourism sector has concluded 2024 with exceptional gains, highlighting its growing influence on the global stage. The country achieved significant milestones, including reaching QAR40 billion ($10.97 billion) in destination tourism spending, which translates to a remarkable 38 percent increase from the previous year. This surge reflects Qatar’s appeal and the successful initiatives implemented to boost the tourism economy.

A standout statistic from 2024 is the total number of international visitors exceeding five million for the first time, totaling 5,076,640 visitors, marking an impressive 25 percent uptick compared to 2023’s figure of 4,046,281. December alone saw Qatar welcoming 594,079 visitors, equaling a 14.6 percent rise from the prior year and adding 74,000 additional visitors compared to November.

The hospitality sector participated significantly, hitting the milestone of surpassing ten million hotel nights for the first time, as reported by the Qatar News Agency (QNA). This growth can be attributed to the influx of travelers, with 48,000 coming by air and 35,000 by land, reflecting diverse modes of access to the country.

Visitor demographics revealed multifaceted appeal, with nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counting for 41 percent of visitors, and the other 59 percent hailing from various key international markets. The top five countries identified for tourism include Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

Major events were pivotal for the spike in visitor arrivals, capitalizing on significant occurrences like the AFC Asian Cup hosted earlier, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, the promising 2024/2025 cruise season, and school holidays from November, which led to record numbers arriving from Saudi Arabia.

Qatar’s progress also entails notable advancements in accessibility, with visitors arriving 56 percent by air, 37 percent by land, and 7 percent via sea routes. Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, praised the accomplishment, stating, “Surpassing five million visitors in 2024 is a landmark achievement… as we look ahead, we remain committed to enhancing the visitor experience and achieving our ambitious targets of tripling visitor numbers and significantly increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030.” This statement captures the enthusiasm and forward-thinking vision within Qatar’s tourism elements.

The tourism sector’s strides were duly recognized, leading to accolades for technological advancements. Qatar won the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the innovative Visit Qatar GenAI Chatbot Trip Concierge, along with other awards including the Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet) and Silver Award for Best Web Platform at the MENA Digital Awards.

The improvements made through the Visit Qatar platform encapsulate efficient, user-centered features supporting travelers. The AI tool available on the Visit Qatar website and app not only provides personalized itineraries but also connects insights across more than 50 languages, shifting the travel planning paradigm significantly and earning recognition at the World Summit AI Qatar 2024.

Qatar’s culinary scene has also flourished, highlighted by the launch of the Michelin Guide featuring two restaurants awarded one Michelin star, four receiving Bib Gourmand accolades, and 33 others being recognized as Michelin-selected establishments. This not only emphasizes Qatar’s culinary diversity but also its status as a genuine gastronomic destination.

International conferences and events played significant roles, with Qatar participating actively at key forums such as the EU-GCC Business Forum, IBTM World held in Spain, and World Travel Market (WTM) hosted in London, enabling the country to form valuable connections and showcase its tourism offerings.

A series of exhibitions marked Qatar’s promising tourism year, including the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition celebrating its 20th anniversary, attracting hundreds of brands and around 30,000 visitors, as well as the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), emphasizing diverse local cuisines and entertainment.

Further cementing its cultural footprint, Qatar successfully hosted its inaugural Luminous Festival, illuminating the Lusail Boulevard with captivating display installations and artistic performances, enriching both the local culture and engaging international audiences. Qatar’s portrayal during the UEFA EURO 2024 was also commended, with the Doha Club becoming a fan-favorite gathering site for attending supporters.

Additional initiatives implemented throughout the year included the Stopover in Qatar campaign which encouraged layover travelers to explore the host country. The launch of the Visit Qatar TV channel has served to broaden its reach, showcasing its distinct offerings to potential tourists worldwide.

Pelting forward, Qatar anticipates even bigger leaps within the tourism sector. The cruise industry is projected to witness significant growth, as records indicate the incoming season will be unprecedented, paired with existing cruise lines planning maiden visits within the country. Future aspirations include enhanced strategic development focused on sustainable tourism practices, propelling Qatar’s status as one of the world’s foremost family-friendly destinations.