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The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) indicates that Qatar’s travel and tourism sector is poised for unprecedented growth this year. With a projected contribution of QAR 90.8bn to the economy, accounting for 11.3% of the total GDP, and supporting more than 334,500 jobs (15.8% of the total workforce), the sector is becoming a cornerstone of the national economy.

Surge in International and Domestic Spending

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s report highlights that spending by international travelers is expected to reach a record QAR 69.6bn this year. Domestic travel spending is also projected to rise, hitting QAR 12bn. This growth follows a significant year for Qatar’s travel and tourism industry, where the sector’s GDP contribution grew by 31% to QAR 81.2bn in 2023, making up 10.3% of the country’s total economic output.

Employment and Economic Impact

The travel and tourism sector has been a vital source of employment in Qatar. Last year, the sector created over 20,300 new jobs, increasing the total workforce to nearly 286,000, representing one in every eight jobs nationwide. This year, the sector’s growth is expected to further bolster employment, supporting over 334,500 jobs across the country.

Strategic Collaboration for Growth

To sustain and enhance this growth, Qatar has established dedicated working groups across multiple industries. These groups meet regularly to address challenges and leverage private sector expertise, driving the continuous expansion of the travel and tourism sector.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s forecasts that by 2034, Qatar’s travel and tourism sector will contribute over QAR 135bn annually to the economy, comprising nearly 13% of the GDP. Employment in the sector is expected to reach nearly 458,000, with one in five residents working in travel and tourism.

Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council’s President & CEO, emphasized the importance of the government’s efforts and collaboration in this sector’s growth. “While international visitor spending is lagging behind the previous peak, the government’s collaborative efforts will propel Qatar’s travel and tourism sector forward, promising a future of prosperity and opportunity.”

Sustained Growth and Opportunities

The growth in international and domestic spending is a testament to Qatar’s robust travel and tourism infrastructure and its strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. Last year, domestic visitor spending reached QAR 1.4bn, while overseas visitor spending surged by nearly 40% year-on-year to QAR 60.4bn, just QAR 1.2bn shy of its previous peak.

Conclusion

Qatar’s travel and tourism sector is on a trajectory of significant growth, with substantial economic contributions and employment opportunities. The sector’s expansion reflects the effectiveness of strategic collaborations and the government’s commitment to making Qatar a premier travel destination. As the sector continues to thrive, it promises to play an increasingly crucial role in the national economic landscape, offering vast prospects for the future.