DOHA: Qatar’s tourism sector surged ahead in 2013 with an increase in the number of visitors from 1.2m in 2012 to more than 1.3m, according to figures released by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) yesterday.
Data also revealed that regional visitors increased by 14.4 percent, with the greatest volumes from Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE, with Kuwait continuing its high growth rate at over 35 percent compared to the last quarter of 2012.
International arrivals increased by 9 percent, with an increase in business arrivals from Asia at 14 percent.
The largest source of tourists remains the GCC region with 1,090,239 visitors; followed by Asia (152,476), Europe (35,861), non-GCC Arab countries (34,093), and Africa (4,045), arriving on business or tourist visas.
“There is no doubt that Qatar has made great strides in promoting its tourism sector and attracting a greater number of visitors. Tourism remains a significant economic driver for Qatar,” said QTA Chairman, Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi.
“There is much to accomplish towards our goal of 7m visitors by 2030. While the 2013 figures are impressive, we have to look beyond numbers and continue the shift towards quality, sustainable tourism. We are achieving these results through expanded public-private and public-public partnerships that are driving sector growth via new opportunities.
“QTA is committed through the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 to continuing the development of the tourism sector while allowing the country and Qataris to reap benefits of a rich and diversified tourism sector,” he added.
The average hotel occupancy rate rose from 60 percent to 65 percent, despite additional rooms added to the market. This corresponds to an overall increase of QR411.13m in revenues (+13 percent) in four- and five-star hotels.
These performance improvements bring four- and five-star hotel annual earnings to QR3.58bn. Four and five-star hotels make up 11,717 of 13,551 rooms in Qatar.
A recovering global economy and an influx of companies supporting Qatar’s infrastructure development drove the tourism sector forward in 2013.
A diverse range of events and activities in Qatar, and increased regional and international promotion during 2013 also pushed growth in the leisure sector.
Activities in the sector include seasonal festivals, international performances and family entertainment, international and regional exhibitions and conferences and world-class sporting events in Qatar.
The tourism sector made many achievements in 2013 with regard to its development and promoting Qatar as a destination of choice. These include comprehensive plans, policies and regulations, sectorial capacity building, diversification and development of Qatar’s tourism product and service portfolio, and expanding market exposure.
“2013 was a turning point in the history of the tourism industry in Qatar. On an institutional level, QTA launched the Project Management Office to ensure timely implementation of strategy initiatives and started an institutional transformation programme.
“On the industry level, stakeholders are engaged and the private sector is leading the change in the sector,” said Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA Director, Strategy Development and Head of the Tourism Industry Development Committee.
The Peninsula
