Doha, Qatar: Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination, supported by world-class infrastructure, rich natural diversity, and a clear national vision for sustainable growth.
Recent achievements in the tourism sector reflect the country’s ability to combine modern development with environmental and cultural assets, positioning Qatar prominently on the regional and global tourism map.
Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari, an environmental expert, praised Qatar Tourism for its notable accomplishments, highlighting that the growing interest from visitors, particularly from GCC and Arab countries, is a testament to Qatar’s success story.
Speaking to Al Rayyan TV recently, he emphasised that these achievements reflect the strong support and commitment of the country’s wise leadership and government to the tourism sector, which today represents a key cultural and civilizational image for nations worldwide.
Dr. Al Kuwari pointed to eco-tourism as one of Qatar’s most promising strengths, noting the country’s extensive coastline of approximately 562 kilometres, which offers exceptional opportunities for beach tourism, marine activities, and diving. Qatar’s rich marine environment includes coral reefs, diverse marine life, the world’s largest aggregation of whale sharks, dugongs, and hawksbill turtles, attracting eco-tourists and divers from around the world.
He also highlighted the unique landscape of Sealine, where golden dunes meet the sea, creating a striking natural scene that is particularly captivating at sunset.
From an industry perspective, Ayman Al-Qudwa, a travel and tourism sector expert, described Qatar’s recent tourism recognition as a significant achievement at a crucial time. He noted that Qatar welcomed more than 5.1 million international visitors, marking a record-breaking year.
According to Al-Qudwa, this success is the result of a comprehensive tourism marketing strategy implemented at local, regional, and global levels, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s long-term goal of diversifying income sources beyond oil and gas.
Speaking to Qatar TV, he added that tourism in Qatar has moved beyond ambition to become a tangible reality driven by innovation and leadership. Hamad International Airport alone handled nearly 49 million passengers over 11 months, while initiatives such as the multi-package stopover programmes have significantly enhanced Qatar’s competitiveness and differentiated it from neighbouring and regional destinations.
Tourism expert Abdulaziz Al Muhannadi stressed that Qatar’s advanced infrastructure, including the international airport, an integrated metro system, national carrier Qatar Airways, and diverse tourist attractions, demonstrates the country’s global-level readiness and the professionalism of its tourism workforce.
Speaking to Al Rayyan TV, he further noted that simplified entry procedures, including the Hayya visa, have made Qatar an easily accessible destination for visitors from around the world.
Al Muhannadi highlighted that year-round sporting events, national celebrations, festivals, and exhibitions across all seasons have played a vital role in enriching the visitor experience and sustaining tourism demand.
Overall, 2025 marked a significant qualitative leap for Qatar’s tourism sector. The country recorded strong growth in international arrivals, reaching 5.1 million visitors, driven by a rich calendar of events and festivals, improved global travel movement, expanded air connectivity through Qatar Airways, and continued facilitation of entry procedures. Peak periods during holidays and tourism seasons saw notable increases in arrivals, particularly from GCC markets, as well as European and Asian countries.
Sports events, exhibitions, and conferences contributed to steady travel activity throughout the year, ensuring a more balanced distribution of tourist flows.
Family tourism also emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, supported by the development of integrated entertainment destinations across Qatar, further reinforcing the country’s position as a comprehensive, sustainable, and globally competitive tourism destination.
