Qatar Tourism Reaches Remarkable Heights with Record-Breaking 2024 Performance and Strategic, Game-Changing Partnerships for 2025

Published on May 13, 2025

Qatar Tourism sees record growth, achieving 5.07 million visitors in 2024, setting the stage for even greater success in 2025 with bold strategies and groundbreaking partnerships.

Qatar Tourism has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the global tourism landscape, achieving exceptional growth in 2024. With 5.07 million visitors, marking a remarkable 25% increase compared to 2023, the country has set a new benchmark for success in the region. This impressive momentum continues into 2025, with over 1.5 million international visitors already welcomed in the first quarter alone. Qatar’s ability to attract global travelers is the result of a comprehensive and integrated tourism strategy that spans hospitality, eco-tourism, cruise tourism, culinary excellence, and digital innovation.

In 2024, Qatar not only surpassed 10 million room nights for the first time but also welcomed the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, marking the country’s growing prominence on the world stage. Major events like the Web Summit Qatar and the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition elevated the country’s status further, showcasing Qatar as a vibrant and year-round destination. Qatar Tourism’s ongoing efforts have firmly positioned the country as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of modernity, culture, and adventure.

Qatar’s visibility on the global stage was significantly enhanced at the 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which took place from April 28 to May 1. At a sprawling 600-square-meter pavilion, Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar displayed the country’s diverse offerings through immersive digital experiences, cultural activations, and unique showcases like the 4Dx Meryal Waterpark experience. In recognition of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable tourism, its pavilion design won ATM’s Sustainability Award, emphasizing the country’s leadership in eco-conscious travel initiatives.

Qatar’s Expanding Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The year 2025 sees Qatar Tourism strengthening its ties with key international and regional partners, underscoring its ambition to continue driving growth. One of the major announcements was a winter cruise partnership with Celestyal Cruises, expected to bring over 40,000 visitors to Qatar. This partnership complements Qatar’s increasing position as a regional cruise hub, with the 2024/2025 season already seeing a record number of 87 ship calls, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year.

Further cementing Qatar’s status as a regional leader in tourism, Visit Qatar launched a twin-centre holiday initiative with Abu Dhabi’s tourism authority, offering travelers a seamless experience between two of the most prominent destinations in the GCC. Additionally, Qatar Tourism signed strategic MoUs with key players such as Huawei, flynas, and Satguru Travel to enhance digital marketing efforts, improve regional connectivity, and explore new growth markets in Africa. These initiatives highlight Qatar’s forward-thinking approach to tourism and its continuous efforts to expand its global reach.

A Close Look at the Key Drivers of Qatar’s Growth: Insights from Qatar Tourism

At the heart of Qatar Tourism’s impressive growth is a focused and multifaceted strategy. We spoke with senior tourism officials to uncover the key drivers behind the country’s rising global profile and its continuous success in attracting visitors from around the world. Here are some insights into the ongoing success of Qatar Tourism:

Why is ATM such an essential event for Qatar Tourism?

“ATM is one of the most important platforms for Qatar Tourism as it brings together global tourism stakeholders. It provides an invaluable opportunity for us to network, forge new partnerships, and showcase our destination’s offerings to the world. By participating in ATM, we enhance our global visibility, promote our latest initiatives, and highlight Qatar as an attractive year-round destination for all types of travelers.”

2024’s Exceptional Performance: What Contributed to This Success?

“2024 was a landmark year for Qatar Tourism. We welcomed 5.1 million international visitors, a 25% increase from the previous year. What’s even more exciting is that nearly half of these visitors came from the GCC, reinforcing Qatar’s appeal to regional travelers. Our hotel occupancy rates also hit a record high of 77%, and we saw an increase in the average daily rate (ADR), which is a positive sign for the sector’s profitability. These results reflect our strong and ongoing appeal as a destination, even after the FIFA World Cup.”

How Did Q1 2025 Perform?

“The first quarter of 2025 saw Qatar continue its strong performance, with over 1.5 million visitors. Several key events played a pivotal role in this success, including the Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, and the Qatar International Food Festival. The latter attracted over 365,000 attendees, highlighting Qatar’s emerging position as a hub for global events. Eid Al Fitr 2025 also saw record arrivals, with a 26% increase in visitors compared to the previous year.”

Service Excellence: How is Qatar Ensuring a Superior Visitor Experience?

“Ensuring service excellence is central to our strategy. We established the Service Excellence Department to enhance visitor experiences across every aspect of the journey. Through initiatives like the Qatar Tourism Awards, we’ve set high standards for the hospitality sector, encouraging competition and the continual improvement of service quality. The introduction of the MICHELIN Guide to Qatar has also significantly raised the bar for dining experiences. Additionally, we regularly provide training to all frontline staff, including hotel employees, airport personnel, and tour guides, to ensure they are equipped to deliver exceptional service to our visitors.”

How is Qatar Adapting to Changing Travel Trends?

“We’re seeing an increasing demand for family travel, which has become one of the fastest-growing segments in our tourism sector. Qatar is also becoming a top destination for weddings, particularly Indian weddings. Alongside these trends, cruise tourism continues to rise, with 87 cruise ships expected to dock in Qatar during the 2024/2025 season. This growth has reinforced our position as a regional cruise hub, and we’re expanding our infrastructure to meet the rising demand. We are also focusing on creating more family-friendly attractions and experiences to cater to this growing market.”