Qatar welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists during the first half of 2024, as revealed by industry data and tourism representatives.

The increase in visitors is attributed to Qatar Tourism’s ‘Your Summer Starts Here’ campaign, designed to make the country a top summer destination by targeting visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Asia, VisaGuide.World reports.

Consequently, the occupancy rates across nearly all hotels and other establishments in the country have been increasing.

As cited by the Peninsula, the General Manager of Somerset West Bay Doha, Prem Kumar said that the campaign offers a range of activities, including discounts of up to 40 percent on accommodations and dining at specific locations.

Your Summer Starts Here campaign features a variety of key activities and programmes, including cultural and shopping experiences, outdoor and beach activities, and special promotions, such as discounts of up to 40 percent on accommodations and dining at selected destinations. The campaign also includes a Dates Exhibition, offering a unique taste of Qatari heritage.

Most of Tourists Came From Saudi Arabia & Kuwait

Kamar further said that this summer saw an increase in visitors from GCC countries, mainly from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. As further noted, the majority of those who visited Qatar for leisure and relaxation were accompanied by their family members.

This increase in visitors from the GCC and beyond is driven by a strategic combination of marketing efforts, attractive promotions, and a diverse range of activities designed to cater to various types of travellers.

Meanwhile, tourism marketing expert Ali Thabet said Qatar is experiencing a constant surge in visitors due to easy entry procedures and a well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Qatar’s Travel & Tourism Sector Projected to Contribute QAR 90.8 Billion to Economy This Year

According to a recent research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Qatar’s Travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute QAR 90.8 billion to the economy this year, accounting for 11.3 percent of the total.

Meanwhile, international travel spending is expected to reach a record of QAR 69.6 billion, while domestic spending is anticipated to reach QAR 12 billion.

Moreover, this industry is set to create jobs for over 334,500 individuals in the country after a record-breaking year in 2023.