Tourism Sector Contributes 8% to Qatar’s GDP, Reveals Chairman at QEF 2025

HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji said that the tourism sector contributed QR 55 billion to the national GDP in 2024, representing 8% of total economic output, which was a 14% increase over 2023.

His Excellency participated in a high-level panel discussion titled "Tourism in Focus" at the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2025, during which he said that 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.

His Excellency highlighted some of 2024's achievements, which saw international visitor arrivals reached 5 million, a 25% year-on-year increase, with in-destination spend totaling nearly QAR 40 billion. The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, recording 10 million room nights sold during the year.

As part of the panel, the Chairman highlighted how global travel demand is shifting towards lifestyle-driven and purpose-led experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxury nature-based getaways. He noted that travellers are increasingly prioritising experiences, such as bespoke accommodation, culinary exploration, and curated cultural activities, over traditional material spending. Qatar’s strategy aligns with these trends, focusing on six high-potential demand spaces and delivering 54 strategic projects across product development, regulation, and visitor experience enhancement.

The Chairman also discussed the expanding opportunities in regional collaboration, health tourism, and investment. He highlighted joint initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, enhanced air connectivity with China, and Qatar’s integrated health and wellness offerings. He also outlined major development projects such as the QR 20 billion Simaisma coastal destination and ongoing expansions at Hamad International Airport, reinforcing Qatar’s positioning as a premium, sustainable, and competitive global destination.

Al Kharji said that Qatar is among the countries with the highest spending on healthcare, with up to 12% of its annual budget allocated to the sector. He noted that Qatar sees this as an opportunity and is working with the Ministry of Public Health to develop a health tourism strategy, with some plans already approved. He added that this will help attract international visitors to Doha to benefit from high-quality healthcare services and the country’s safety, while also strengthening the tourism sector through significant investment in health infrastructure.

HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism also pointed out that Qatar is preparing to host a series of major international events in the coming years, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup this year, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027, and the Asian Games in 2030.

He emphasized the State of Qatar’s commitment to luxury and sustainability standards, integrating both into every project. Examples include the Ras Abu Aboud Resort, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). QNCC was the region's first center to obtain a certification for both sustainability and luxury. That's in addition to nd Msheireb Downtown Doha, which has been designed as both eco-friendly and luxurious.

For his part, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Sebastien Bazin praised Qatar’s vision and ambition in further developing its tourism sector. He remarked that Qatar has everything it needs, citing institutions like Qatar Foundation with its universities, hospitals, schools, the iconic Qatar Airways, and Qatar Museums. He emphasized that these assets are valuable and deserve to be showcased to the world.

Bazin noted that the tourism and travel industry has grown by about 3–5% over the past 50 years, with demand now exceeding supply due to population growth, economic development, and advancements in transportation. Interestingly, he said, around 1.6 billion people now travel less to Europe and more to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

He highlighted India as one of the most important outbound tourism markets, predicting that the country could become a game-changer in the global travel and tourism landscape.

 

(QNA)