Doha, Qatar: Qatar has been spotlighted as the world’s fastest-growing holiday destination, following new analyses published by The Telegraph and Travel Off Path recently.
Both outlets cite World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) statistics showing a surge in visitor arrivals since 2019 — a rebound that places Qatar ahead of all other nations in terms of growth rate.
According to British newspaper The Telegraph, Qatar has seen a 138% increase in international tourist arrivals since 2019, putting its 2024 visitor count at over 5 million, compared with 2.1 million in 2019. The story highlights how the country’s post-World Cup investments in infrastructure, cultural institutions, resorts, and museums have combined to attract a much larger number of holidaymakers.
Travel Off Path, a popular travel website, in its similarly timed feature, also places Qatar at the top of its list. Their article (“These Are The 30 Fastest-Growing Tourist Destinations On Earth”) reports a growth of 137.62% between 2019 and 2024 for Qatar, again leading the global pack. The data, as with The Telegraph’s, is based upon UNWTO’s publicly available international arrivals figures.
For context, Qatar’s growth rate, in percentage terms, far outpaces many nations that had higher absolute numbers in tourism before the pandemic. While established tourist destinations continue to draw large volumes, many saw slower recovery or growth rates in recent years.
In contrast, Qatar’s leap from about 2.1 million visitors in 2019 to over 5 million in 2024 is striking.
Several factors have contributed to Qatar’s rise, including significant infrastructure and venue enhancements following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which have resulted in enduring assets such as stadiums, resorts, museums, and transport links that continue to draw visitors.
Another factor is the global visibility from world-class events and sporting fixtures that have helped shift perceptions and awareness.
The improved connectivity, especially via Hamad International Airport, has also expanded the country’s capacity and destinations served.
Meanwhile, while neighbouring Gulf countries account for a large share of visitors, there’s noticeable growth from Europe, Asia, and the UK. Oxford Business Group reports a broadening base of nations sending tourists to Qatar.
According to Oxford Business Group, growth in 2024 was about 25% over 2023, further confirming that the upward trajectory is sustained, not simply a rebound from pandemic lows.
