Key Points
- Qatar welcomed over 1.5 million international visitors in Q1 2025, marking a robust start to the year for its tourism sector.
- GCC travelers accounted for 36% of visitors, followed by Europe (28%) and Asia & Oceania (20%).
- Hotel occupancy averaged 71% in Q1 2025, with 2.6 million room nights sold.
- Eid Al Fitr 2025 saw record arrivals, with 214,000 visitors during the 8-day holiday, a 26% increase over 2024.
- Qatar’s hotel revenue is projected to reach nearly $537 million by year-end 2025 and is forecasted to grow to $609 million by 2029.
- Tourism contributed 8% to Qatar’s GDP in 2024, totaling QR55 billion ($15.1 billion).
- The hospitality sector achieved 10 million room nights sold in 2024 and continues to expand.
- Cruise tourism is on the rise, with 87 ship calls and over 360,000 cruise visitors in the 2024/2025 season.
- Qatar’s tourism strategy focuses on diversification, sustainability, and high-profile events to drive growth.
- Major events like Web Summit Qatar, Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, and the Qatar International Food Festival boosted arrivals and hotel demand.
- Qatar aims to contribute 12% of GDP from tourism by 2030 and attract 6 million visitors annually by decade’s end.
Qatar’s tourism and hotel sector has entered 2025 with remarkable momentum, welcoming over 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter and achieving robust hotel occupancy, revenue growth, and a rising global profile.
How Did Qatar Achieve Over 1.5 Million Visitors in Q1 2025?
As reported by ValuStrat and highlighted in Zawya, Qatar’s tourism sector began 2025 with strong momentum, recording 1.5 million international visitors between January and March. This surge is attributed to an integrated tourism strategy that leverages high-profile events, strategic partnerships, and diversified destination experiences.
According to Qatar Tourism, GCC nationals made up the largest share (36%) of visitors, followed by travelers from Europe (28%) and Asia & Oceania (20%). The country’s diversified access strategy was also evident: 51% of visitors arrived by air, 34% by land, and 15% by sea.
What Drove the Record-Breaking Eid Al Fitr Arrivals?
As detailed by Qatar Tourism and reported in Zawya and Kids Love Qatar, Eid Al Fitr 2025 delivered the highest holiday arrival figures in three years, with 214,000 visitors during the eight-day period—a 26% increase over the same period in 2024. GCC visitors accounted for 49% of these arrivals, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. Hotel occupancy during the holiday reached 77%, up 10% from last year.
How Did Major Events Boost Qatar’s Hotel Sector?
According to ValuStrat and Qatar Tourism, key events such as Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE), and the Qatar International Food Festival played a pivotal role in driving visitor numbers and hotel demand. The hospitality sector reported an average occupancy rate of 71% in Q1 2025, with 2.6 million room nights sold. HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, stated in a press release:
“The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development. Part of the development transcends into deepening collaboration across local, regional and international markets and continue to diversify source markets, enhance visitor experiences, and reinforce Qatar’s position as a dynamic, year-round destination. We are excited to have welcomed 1.5M in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year.”
What Is the Current State of Qatar’s Hotel Market?
According to ValuStrat’s country report cited by Zawya, Qatar’s hotels achieved an estimated occupancy rate of 71% in Q1 2025. The total hospitality stock stood at 40,787 keys, with 68% in the 4- to 5-star category, 7.7% in the 1- to 3-star range, and 24.3% as hotel apartments. An additional 845 hotel keys are expected to enter the market in 2025, primarily in the luxury segment.
As reported by The Peninsula and Statista, hotel revenue is projected to reach $536.67 million by the end of 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.22% forecasted through 2029. By then, the market volume is expected to reach $609.19 million.
How Has Tourism Contributed to Qatar’s Economy?
As reported by Qatar Tribune and Arab News, tourism contributed 8% to Qatar’s GDP in 2024, totaling QR55 billion ($15.1 billion)—a 14% increase from 2023. In-destination spend reached nearly QR40 billion, and the hospitality sector achieved 10 million room nights sold in 2024. HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, emphasized:
“Qatar is well on track to achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goal of contributing 12% to GDP, highlighting the sector’s increasing importance in the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy.”
What Role Does Cruise Tourism Play in Qatar’s Growth?
According to Qatar Tourism, the 2024/2025 cruise season saw 87 ship calls (up 19% from the previous season), including five maiden voyages and 13 homeporting calls. This brought in over 360,000 cruise visitors, a 4% year-on-year increase. More than 10% of these were turnaround passengers, supporting Qatar’s emergence as a regional cruise hub.
How Is Qatar Promoting Itself Globally?
As reported by Qatar Tourism, Qatar continues to elevate its global tourism profile through high-impact campaigns and strategic market activations. In Q1 2025, Qatar had a prominent presence at international platforms such as FITUR in Spain, ITB Berlin, and the Outbound Travel Fair in India. The country also enhanced its international stopover campaigns and broadened visibility through targeted media placements.
What Are the Future Prospects for Qatar’s Tourism Sector?
According to Arab News and Qatar Tribune, Qatar’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to boost the sector’s contribution to 12% of GDP and attract 6 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. The strategy focuses on six high-potential demand spaces and 54 strategic projects across product development, regulation, and visitor experience enhancement. HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji highlighted during a panel at the Qatar Economic Forum:
“Qatar’s strategy aligns with global trends, focusing on lifestyle-oriented and purpose-driven experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxurious nature-based getaways. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences like personalized accommodations, culinary adventures, and curated cultural activities over traditional material purchases.”
How Is Qatar’s Hotel Sector Embracing Sustainability and Innovation?
As reported by The Peninsula, Qatar’s hotel market is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable travel, aligning with global trends and leveraging investments made ahead of major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The sector’s ongoing expansion and focus on high-quality, eco-friendly accommodations are expected to further enhance its international appeal.
In summary, Qatar’s hotel and tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, driven by strategic investments, high-profile events, and a commitment to sustainability and diversification. With ambitious targets set for 2030, the nation is well on its way to solidifying its status as a premier global destination.