Qatar’s tourism sector contributed approximately $14.9 billion to the country’s GDP in 2024, marking a 14% increase compared to 2023 and accounting for 8% of the national economic output, according to Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali AlKharji.
AlKharji shared these insights during a high-level panel titled “Tourism in Focus” at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2025, moderated by Bloomberg Television anchor Joumanna Bercetche. The session also featured Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, and explored major themes shaping global tourism, including sustainability, economic resilience, luxury travel, and emerging market trends.
The Chairman emphasized that Qatar is well on track to meet its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of contributing 12% to GDP, underscoring the growing role of tourism in Qatar’s economic diversification efforts.
In 2024, international visitor arrivals hit 5 million, reflecting a 25% year-on-year increase, with in-destination spending totaling nearly $10.8 billion. The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, selling 10 million room nights over the year.
AlKharji noted a shift in global travel demand toward experience-driven tourism, including wellness retreats, cultural exploration, and luxury nature-based escapes. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing personalized experiences—such as bespoke accommodations, culinary journeys, and curated cultural activities—over traditional material spending.
Qatar’s tourism strategy is aligned with these trends, targeting six high-potential demand segments and rolling out 54 strategic initiatives across product development, regulatory enhancement, and visitor experience improvement.
He also highlighted expanding opportunities in regional partnerships, health tourism, and investment, referencing joint initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, improved air connectivity with China, and Qatar’s growing integrated health and wellness offerings.
Major development projects include the Simaisma coastal destination, with a projected investment of $5.4 billion, and continued expansions at Hamad International Airport, reinforcing Qatar’s status as a premium, sustainable, and competitive global destination.
The Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held under the theme “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” brought together global leaders to explore key issues such as geopolitics, technology, energy security, investment, and the future of sports and entertainment.
Source: Qatar Tribune
