Doha: Qatar’s tourism sector closed 2025 with solid momentum and enters 2026 positioned for further expansion, according to insights from the latest Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Travel Trends Report.
The study places the country among the Middle East’s most resilient and fast-evolving destinations, supported by strong air connectivity, a growing meetings and events calendar, and continued investment in high-value hospitality and cultural assets. The report highlights that international arrivals to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rebounded strongly in 2024–2025, with Qatar benefiting from its role as a regional aviation hub and from post-FIFA World Cup destination awareness.
Hamad International Airport’s expanding route network and capacity upgrades have reinforced Doha’s position as a primary gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa, translating into sustained growth in transit and stopover traffic. This connectivity advantage continues to underpin hotel occupancy and average daily rates, particularly in the upper-upscale and luxury segments.
Qatar’s performance is also linked to the diversification of its tourism offer. The ATM report notes rising demand for cultural experiences, sports tourism, and premium leisure in the Middle East, trends that align closely with Qatar’s strategy of leveraging museums, heritage districts, beach resorts, and a year-round calendar of international events.
Strong performance in the MICE segment is another key driver. Doha’s modern convention infrastructure and track record in hosting major summits and exhibitions have helped the country capture a growing share of regional business travel, supporting weekday occupancy and stabilising revenue streams.
From a market perspective, the report identifies Europe, South Asia, and the wider GCC as Qatar’s core source regions, while long-haul growth from East Asia is gradually recovering as air capacity and outbound travel continue to normalise.
Digital booking channels and mobile-first travel planning are accelerating, with travellers placing increased emphasis on seamless visa processes, integrated transport, and curated experiences—areas where Qatar’s national tourism and aviation authorities have made sustained investments.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ATM Travel Trends Report projects continued expansion for Middle Eastern destinations, driven by robust aviation growth, a strong pipeline of hotel openings, and rising interest in experiential and luxury travel.
For Qatar, the outlook is supported by several structural factors. These include the ongoing enhancement of Hamad International Airport, further development of cruise tourism infrastructure. The report suggests that supply growth will be absorbed by rising demand, particularly in the four- and five-star segments, as regional travel flows and long-haul visitation increase.
Sustainability and smart-destination initiatives are also expected to shape Qatar’s 2026 performance. The ATM analysis points to growing traveller preference for environmentally responsible hotels, efficient urban mobility, and authentic culture.
