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Qatar, ranked 55th on the Henley Passport Power Index as of July update, demonstrates a unique position in the global travel landscape. Despite offering visa-free travel access to 107 destinations, the country’s ranking reflects a travel freedom score of 43.61%. With only 0.234% of the world’s population having a Qatari passport, this relatively low figure underscores the exclusivity of Qatari citizenship. Moreover, 47% of Qatar’s outbound travel is directed towards these visa-free countries, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining and expanding these travel agreements to bolster the nation’s tourism industry.

“Qatar’s Travel & Tourism Sector Soars with 31% Growth, Reaching Record QAR 81.2 Billion and 10.3% of GDP”
The Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution in Qatar grew by 31%, reaching a record QAR 81.2 billion. This substantial increase now represents 10.3% of Qatar’s total economic output, underscoring the sector’s critical importance to the national economy. The growth reflects Qatar’s successful efforts in enhancing its tourism infrastructure, attracting international visitors, and promoting cultural and luxury travel experiences. With ongoing investments in tourism projects and marketing initiatives, the sector is poised to continue its upward trajectory, further solidifying its pivotal role in diversifying Qatar’s economy.

“Qatari Travelers Boost Global Tourism with $16.5 Billion Expenditure in 2023 and 84,000 Visits to the UK”

In 2023, travelers from Qatar embarked on 1.9 million outbound overnight visits, spending a total of US$16.5 billion on international tourism. Among their preferred destinations, the United Kingdom stood out, welcoming 84,000 Qatari visitors. This significant travel activity highlights the high level of international mobility and spending power of Qatari travelers, contributing to the global tourism economy. The substantial expenditure underscores Qatar’s position as a key source market for international tourism, with its residents frequently traveling abroad for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.

Factors Influencing Qatar’s Ranking

1. Travel Freedom Score: Qatar’s passport has a score of 43.61%, allowing easy travel to many countries.
2. Passport Exclusivity: Only 0.234% of the world’s population holds a Qatari passport, affecting its perceived power.
3. Outbound Travel Trends: 47% of Qatar’s outbound travel is to visa-free destinations, highlighting the importance of these agreements.
4. Geopolitical and Economic Factors: Various geopolitical and economic dynamics also influence the overall ranking.

Strength of the Qatar Passport in the Travel Industry

Qatar’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, fueled by investments in luxury experiences, cultural attractions, and world-class infrastructure. The country offers a unique mix of rich heritage and modern amenities, from the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif to Doha’s futuristic skyline. Events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 have boosted its global profile, attracting millions of visitors. The government’s focus on diverse tourism offerings, including high-end shopping, fine dining, and desert adventures, enhances its appeal. The expansion of Hamad International Airport and the Grand Cruise Terminal further solidify Qatar’s position as a premier travel destination, poised for continued growth.

Benefits for the Travel Industry

• World-Class Infrastructure-Qatar’s state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport and the new Grand Cruise Terminal enhance connectivity and boost tourism.
• Economic Impact-The travel industry generates significant revenue and creates numerous jobs, contributing to Qatar’s economic growth.
• Luxury Experiences-High-end shopping, luxury hotels, and exclusive desert adventures attract affluent travelers to Qatar.

Expansive lists of Visa-Free Destinations:

Visa free lists

• Albania
• Angola
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bermuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• eSwatini
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Iran
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• Oman
• Panama
• Philippines
• Russian Federation
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• South Africa
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Zambia

VOA

• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Brunei
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Laos
• Macao (SAR China)
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mongolia
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Palau Islands
• Paraguay
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Yemen

ETA

• Kenya
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• United Kingdom

Airports in Qatar:

• Hamad International Airport (DOH)-Hamad International Airport, the main international airport in Qatar, is one of the most advanced and luxurious airports in the world. As the hub for Qatar Airways, it handles a significant volume of international passenger and cargo traffic. In 2022, the airport saw 17.5 million passengers, and in 2023, it handled 19.2 million passengers.
• Doha International Airport (DIA)-Previously the primary airport before the opening of Hamad International Airport, Doha International Airport now serves as a secondary airport, handling overflow traffic along with some charter and cargo flights.The airport saw an outbound passenger traffic of 17.5 million, and in 2023, it handled 19.2 million outbound passengers.
• Al Khor Airport-A smaller airport primarily used for general aviation and private flights. It supports local aviation activities, including flying clubs and private aircraft operations.
• Dukhan Airport– Mainly serving the nearby oil and gas facilities, Dukhan Airport is used for industrial purposes and is not open to commercial passenger flights.
• Al Udeid Air Base (OTBH)– Another significant military airbase used by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and the United States Air Force. It is not used for commercial aviation but is essential for military and strategic operations.

Airlines in Qatar:

• Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar, operates out of Hamad International Airport and is known for its high-quality service and extensive global network. In 2022, Qatar Airways facilitated the outbound travel of 17.5 million passengers, and in 2023, this number increased to 19.2 million outbound passengers. The airline continues to play a pivotal role in connecting Qatar with the rest of the world.
• Air India Express: A low-cost airline offering flights primarily to destinations in India. Major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kochi.
• British Airways: The flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom. Direct flights to London and other major European destinations.
• Emirates: A major airline based in Dubai, UAE.Extensive network connecting Doha to Dubai and beyond to various international destinations.
• Etihad Airways: The national airline of the United Arab Emirates.Flights to Abu Dhabi and connections to numerous global destinations.

Cruises in Qatar

Grand Cruise Terminal

• A new state-of-the-art terminal under development to further enhance Qatar’s capacity to handle larger cruise ships and more passengers.Qatar’s cruise industry is poised for continued growth, with its modern facilities and rich cultural offerings making it an attractive destination for cruise travelers from around the world.

Qatar‘s tourism industry is thriving, driven by diverse attractions and luxury experiences. With significant contributions to the economy, increased global visibility from major events, and ongoing government support, Qatar is well-positioned to continue its growth as a premier travel destination.