Earlier this year, Qatar announced the seamless operation of the Hayya platform to unify and simplify visa processes for travellers who require a visa to enter Qatar. These efforts complement Qatar’s already open travel policies which see 102 countries granted visa on arrival or visa free entry. In addition, Qatar’s year-long calendar of events and captivating marketing campaigns have supported the increased tourism figures.
His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar continues to demonstrate its appeal as a global tourism destination with its expanded tourism infrastructure, safety, and authentic Arabian hospitality. Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, with its 500km of pristine coastline, world-class museums, cultural and contemporary destinations, combine to make for a unique and compelling holiday that can be tailored to suit travellers from the region and internationally. New developments in Qatar’s tourism sector are ongoing, creating even further opportunities for growth.”
Since the beginning of 2023, leading Qatar’s tourism figures are visitors from Saudi Arabia (25.3% of total international arrivals), followed by India (10.4%), Germany (4.1%), UK (3.9%) and Kuwait (3.5%). To date, 56% of visitors chose to arrive by air, followed by land (35%), and sea (9%).
In October of last year, Qatar inaugurated the first international debut of the renowned Geneva international Motor Show, which saw 1,000 journalists and 180,000 visitors over 10 days. It also launched the 2023/24 cruise season which will welcome 81 cruises and 350,000 passengers, surpassing the 2022/23 cruise season which saw 54 cruises and a total of 253,191 visitors, making it the country’s biggest cruise season yet to come.
Looking ahead in 2024, Qatar is set to host more than 80 unique events from sports championships, cultural events, world class exhibitions, shopping festivals and international summits. Some of the biggest 2024 events are the AFC Asian Cup, Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Exhibition, (DJWE), Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, Qatar Economic Forum 2024, Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024, Autonomous e-mobility Forum and the world’s biggest technology conference, Web Summit Qatar.
For the full list of 2024 events please visit www.visitqatar.com.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism’s mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Website: www.visitqatar.com
