Qatar is fast solidifying its standing as a premier global tourism and leisure destination, underpinned by major development projects, a strategic focus on experiential travel, and robust performance in visitor arrivals and hospitality services.
As the country moves toward its National Tourism Strategy 2030 goals, recent figures and initiatives reflect substantial progress, innovation, and increasing global appeal.
Among the most transformative developments is the QR20bn Simaisma coastal destination, set to become a landmark tourism and leisure hub.
This project reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in the tourism sector, aligning with the broader national development vision.
Parallel expansions at Hamad International Airport also continue to support Qatar’s goal of becoming a more connected and accessible global travel hub, enhancing visitor experience while catering to increased demand.
These infrastructure enhancements are not only strategic but timely, as Qatar witnesses a notable shift in travel preferences.
Tourists today are looking for enriching, personalised experiences—ranging from immersive cultural activities and wellness retreats to curated culinary journeys and unique adventure tourism.
In response, Qatar’s tourism strategy is focusing on six high-potential demand spaces and has already initiated 54 strategic projects covering product development, regulation, and visitor experience improvements.
The tourism sector made a historic economic impact in 2024, contributing QR55 billion to the national GDP—equating to 8% of total economic output.
This represents a 14% increase over 2023, reinforcing tourism’s growing importance within Qatar’s economic diversification framework. Qatar is now well on track to meet its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of tourism contributing 12% of GDP.
International visitor arrivals reached 5.08 million in 2024, surpassing the annual target of 4.79 million.
Visitor spending within the country also surged, with nearly QR40bn recorded in in-destination expenditures.
The hospitality sector, a critical component of this growth, achieved an unprecedented milestone—10 million room nights sold, significantly exceeding the target of 8.8 million.
To capitalise on its growing reputation, Visit Qatar has launched the 2025 summer campaign titled “Moments Made for You”, which invites travellers from the GCC and beyond to experience Qatar’s diverse, premium offerings during the summer season.
The campaign highlights a wide range of activities suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Air-conditioned open-air attractions such as Gewan Island, world-class shopping districts, and the Meryal Waterpark provide leisure options suitable for Qatar’s warm climate.
Visitors can also enjoy water sports at pristine public and private beaches, unwind at luxurious resorts like Banana Island, and explore Qatar’s eclectic food scene—from Michelin-starred restaurants to beloved local eateries.
“Moments Made for You” positions Qatar as a safe, family-friendly destination with a robust infrastructure and rich variety of experiences catering to all types of visitors.
Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Qatar, has also reintroduced its popular Whale Shark Tours for the 2025 season.
These unique ecotourism experiences offer a rare opportunity to observe one of the world’s largest congregations of whale sharks in their natural habitat off Qatar’s northern coast.
The tours run from June to September and depart from Ruwais Port, taking guests aboard a premium catamaran into the Al Shaheen Marine Zone.
There, under the guidance of marine biologists and expert guides, visitors can observe these gentle giants—some as long as 20 feet—while learning about their behaviour, migration patterns, and ecological significance.
The tours aim to promote conservation awareness while offering an unforgettable marine adventure.
Adding to the vibrant summer calendar is the Scoop by the Sea event, taking place at West Bay North Beach from June 18 to August 13, 2025.
This ice cream-themed activation is designed to delight the whole family, offering a series of interactive sports competitions, foam parties, and live entertainment.
Highlights include The Water Fest, with kitesurfing and wingfoil shows, as well as the SUP Costume Fest Show, combining sport with fun and creativity.
An eco-conscious twist comes through the Eco Sport Competition, where participants generate electricity by pedaling on stationary bikes.
Another standout attraction is the Virtual Reality F1 Car Experience, placing guests in a realistic racing simulator.
The event concludes each day with air shows featuring smoke trails and event flags, adding a celebratory touch to this engaging summer spectacle.
Qatar’s efforts to market itself globally have paid off, with a visitor base that is both broad and diverse.
In 2024, GCC nationals represented 41% of total visitors, while the remaining 59% hailed from key international markets.
The top five source countries were Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States—underscoring Qatar’s increasing appeal to a wide range of audiences.
As Qatar looks to the future, its tourism strategy is yielding strong results, both in terms of economic impact and global visibility.
With a comprehensive portfolio of experiential offerings, world-class infrastructure, and a welcoming atmosphere, Qatar is not only meeting its short-term targets but also laying a resilient foundation for long-term success.
From cultural festivals and eco-tours to luxury hospitality and family fun, Qatar continues to deliver moments made for everyone—affirming its place as one of the world’s most dynamic and rewarding destinations.
