tourism sector qatar

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Sector statistics

Latest insights from Qatar Tourism

Populated every quarter, detailed statistics and tourism performance data on visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy in Qatar can be found here. 

Q3 performance report - 2023

Qatar witnessed a 91% increase in YTD arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Remarkably, the international arrivals overtook full-year 2022 arrivals by July 2023, with GCC's contribution at 40% of the total arrivals. 

H1 tourism performance report - 2023

Qatar sustained the positive trend generated by the previous year's global event, nearly doubling the pre-pandemic arrival figures. There's a strong likelihood that international arrivals will surpass the total for the entire year of 2022 by the third quarter.

Tourism performance trend report for Eid Al Adha

Qatar experienced an increase in visitor arrivals in comparison to the same period in 2022 and prior over the Eid Al Adha period. The hospitality sector continues to see positive performance in terms of Occupancy Rate.

Q1 performance report - 2023

During the first quarter, Qatar achieved record-breaking arrivals, marking the highest ever for this period in the country's history. This remarkable accomplishment coincided with the continued expansion of the hospitality sector, which was further acknowledged by the prestigious designation of the Arab Tourism Capital. This recognition reflects Qatar's outstanding progress in the field of tourism.

Annual tourism performance report - 2022

Qatar's tourism industry demonstrated robust growth, driven by significant events such as the 2022 Qatar Motorcycle Grand Prix, DJWE, Lusail Super Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2022. The sector experienced an increase in international arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, indicating a strong recovery.

H1 Tourism performance report - 2022

Qatar continues the regained momentum to appeal visitors and shows a growing popularity of land arrivals from neighbouring countries.

Q1 performance report - 2022

Qatar's tourism sector continues to chase its regained momentum to appeal to visitors from proximity markets by land, sea and air. 

Annual tourism performance report - 2021

Qatar's tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience during Covid-19 through 2021 and has positioned itself for growth beyond recovery. 

H1 Tourism performance report - June 2021

Q1 Tourism performance report - March 2021

Q3 Tourism performance report - September 2021

Annual tourism performance report - 2020

Despite the pandemic, Qatar’s hospitality sector fared very well compared to its global peers. Doha had the 6th highest occupancy rate in the world in 2020, as well as the lowest decline in RevPAR compared with key global cities.

Q1 Performance report - March 2020

Q2 Performance report - June 2020

Q3 Performance report - September 2020

Annual tourism performance report - 2019

Qatar welcomed 2.136 million visitors in 2019, representing an increase of 17% compared to the same period in 2018. Visitation from nationals of all regions of the world grew significantly.

Q1 Tourism performance report 2019

Tourism performance report H1 2019

Q3 Tourism performance report 2019

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About Qatar Tourism

Enabling development of the sector through new structures and policies.

Because the tourism sector is unique in its reliance on many ancillary sectors to succeed, the government approved restructuring of the tourism sector helped consolidate and focus the efforts of all concerned parties, facilitating:

• Empowerment  in decision-making and implementation
• Clarity  in structure and roles
• Opportunity  for professionals in the tourism industry

Qatar Tourism carries out the following core functions:

• Strategic industry planning and policy development
• The development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote investment opportunities in the tourism sector
• Destination marketing and promotion for both leisure and business events
• The enhancement of visitor experience in collaboration with tourist-facing entities
• The management of regulatory affairs, including the swift and efficient execution of all tourism licenses and similar services

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• State of Qatar

The State of Qatar

A general guide.

• His Highness The Amir
• A Decade of Transformation
• His Highness the Deputy Amir
• Government of Qatar
• Qatar at a Glance
• Qatar National Vision 2030

Qatar has emerged as an iconic tourism, art and cultural hub, blending Arab tradition with modern global trends to share with visitors from across the world.

As a country located between East and West, about 80% of the world’s population lives within a 6-hour flight, and nationals from over 95 countries can enter Qatar without a visa.

Tourism in Qatar  

The tourism sector is one of the most important pillars for Qatar’s economic diversification, and is integral to sustaining its economic growth.

Qatar Tourism, Qatar’s official tourism governing body, carries out five core functions to strengthen the country’s status as a gateway to the world:

• Strategic planning and policy development
• The development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote investment opportunities in the tourism sector
• Destination marketing and promotion for both leisure and business events
• The enhancement of visitor experience in collaboration with tourist-facing entities
• The management of regulatory affairs, including the swift and efficient execution of all tourism licenses and similar services

Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030

To continue to develop the tourism sector in the State of Qatar, a National Tourism Sector Strategy was developed, aimed to be fully implemented by 2030.

Aiming to attract 6 million visitors per year by 2030, Qatar’s strategy focuses on several key areas that reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, such as:

• Cultivating a rich collection of museums and cultural highlights.
• Hosting world-class conventions and exhibitions.
• Constructing exceptional urban developments.
• Bringing a plethora of sporting events to the country.
• Promoting outstanding educational opportunities at world-class universities.
• Building new ultramodern airport and one of the world’s most advanced rail transit systems.

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, NMoQ gives voice to Qatar’s rich heritage through immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

MIA is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, spanning over 1,400 years. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I.M. Pei, MIA is a globally acclaimed museum.

Qatar National Library (QNL)

QNL cultivates Qatar’s heritage by providing a unique environment for learning and enrichment in a culturally exceptional setting.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf takes a unique look into contemporary Arab art. With an extensive collection of modern art from across the region, Mathaf aims to promote dialogue and foster creativity.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum takes visitors on a journey from artefacts collected from the Jurassic age through to the early Islamic period and up to the present day. The museum’s collection was acquired by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani during his international travels.

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is considered one of the most innovative and technologically advanced sports museums in the world. It is a member of the Olympic Museum Network, which connects 22 Olympic museums worldwide.

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village celebrates the region’s architectural heritage and is considered a platform to introduce the world’s cultures, by hosting concerts, shows, and exhibitions on global, regional and local levels.

Msheireb Museums

Four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha tell stories about Doha’s history. These houses are Radwani House, Company House, Bin Jalmood House, and Mohammed bin Jassim House.

Souq Waqif is one of the oldest souqs in Qatar and now serves as a popular social and tourist spot. Historically where Bedouin tribes would bring their essential goods for trade and sale, Souq Waqif is now a bustling location where visitors can have authentic, popular dining and shopping experiences.

Al Zubarah Town and Fort

Al Zubarah Town and Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once known as a centre for pearl diving. Al Zubarah Fort is adjacent to the walled coastal city of Al Zubarah, which is considered the most important landmark of Al Zubarah archaeological site.

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Tourism, Culture & Sport From The Report: Qatar 2022 View in Online Reader

Travel and tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors globally in 2020 and early 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world, and the situation in Qatar was no different. However, reflecting the gains made in the tourism industry in previous years, the opening months of 2020 saw a strong performance in terms of arrivals – so much so that when travel began to normalise in 2021, total arrivals for the first three quarters were still higher in 2020 than in 2021. Despite subdued sector activity for most of 2020 and 2021, Qatar has been gearing up for what is expected to be a banner year for tourism in 2022 – starting with a full cruise schedule at Doha Port for the 2021/22 season.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding; Nasser Al Khater, CEO, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar; and Ahmad Al Namla, CEO, Qatar Museums.

Articles from this Chapter

New page: the 2022 fifa world cup, a surge of regional visitors and a strong cruise season signal a post-pandemic recovery obg plus.

Travel and tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors globally in 2020 and early 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world, and the situation in Qatar was no different. However, reflecting the gains made in the tourism industry in the years leading up to the health crisis, the opening months of 2020 saw a strong performance in terms of arrivals – so much so that when travel began to normalise in 2021, arrivals for the first three quarters were still higher in 2020 than in 2021. Despite…

World stage: Preparations for the World Cup and infrastructure investment lay the groundwork for future tourism expansion OBG plus

In 2022 Qatar will be the first Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup, giving it the opportunity to demonstrate that the region can lead in the international sporting scene. Those involved in the preparation for the event are using it as a chance to leverage the competition for future tourism revenue, given that tournament will be shown on televisions around the world and in-person fans will share their impressions back home. The event is expected to attract over 1m visitors. Infrastructure Investment Attracting…

Diversified offerings: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding, on tourism’s role in economic diversification and recovery OBG plus

Interview:Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Where do you identify the main opportunities in the tourism sector as the economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic? SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI: As the tourism sector recovers from the pandemic, there are many opportunities ahead. Qatar’s development over the last two decades has made it an international player. The government developed the infrastructure to support the sector, including Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port and the…

Breaking ground: Nasser Al Khater, CEO, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, on building a sustainable legacy from hosting the tournament OBG plus

Interview:Nasser Al Khater What legacy is Qatar looking to build from hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar? NASSER AL KHATER: The 2022 FIFA World Cup represents a chance to drive positive and sustainable change beyond the tournament, both in Qatar and the wider region. From the outset, we have been committed to upskilling the local community to foster a knowledge-based economy that can drive diversification. We have also been committed to leaving a positive social legacy related to workers’…

Creative value: Ahmad Al Namla, CEO, Qatar Museums, on sharing local culture and artistic output with the world OBG plus

Interview:Ahmad Al Namla To what extent can the 2022 FIFA World Cup serve as a catalyst for the development of the Qatari arts and culture scene? AHMAD AL NAMLA: The 2022 FIFA World Cup presents a strong opportunity to show the entire world the vast offering of Qatari arts and culture. It will also provide visitors the chance to have a better and deeper understanding of Qatar’s long-standing traditions and way of life. Our efforts are focused on ensuring this is the case during the event,…

Privacy Overview

Qatar's $220 billion tourism boost, will it pay off?

An eye-watering sum of money has been spent by Qatar on creating high-tech, high-spec, modern infrastructure in an effort to boost its tourism sector: one of the fastest-growing hotel and hospitality markets in the world.

Qatar is rolling out the red carpet for an expected total in excess of one million visitors for the FIFA World Cup and is aiming to attract up to six million a year by 2030.

Doha is a city with one of the fastest-growing hotel and hospitality markets in the world. The $220 billion spent on infrastructure since the successful World Cup bid of 2010 has helped boost the industry. Hotels have also been helped by the country’s geographic location.

According to the latest government figures, 80% of the world’s population is within a six-hour flight from Qatar. Over 150 new hotels have been built for the FIFA World Cup, and all of these expect to welcome tourists for years to come.

One of those new hotels is Pullman Doha West Bay , which is owned by the French multinational group Accor , it opened in August, with 460 rooms and suites ready to welcome guests. The hospitality industry has been seeing a strong rebound of demand back to pre-pandemic levels, and Accor is keen to capitalise on that.

The group’s CEO, Sébastien Bazin, explained how the company plans to do that to Euronews.

“Accor is opening one hotel per day on this planet, and it will continue to do so. So expand and control density and market share. Accor is the largest hotel company outside America and China, and I want Accor to remain number one outside China and America. So it’s between being disciplined, caretaking for the people working for Accor, making sure you have the right brands, and making sure you’re going to be preparing yourself for maybe some difficult times.”

Another hotel in Qatar that’s hosting some very important guests this month is the Ritz Carlton Doha. The luxury hotel and its 374 rooms and suites have been welcoming people in the country for 20 years.

Euronews was given special access to see what it's like inside an award-winning, luxurious hotel and find out what it takes to make VIPs feel at home.

The Ritz Carlton Doha knows how to make strong and lasting first impressions. A team of dedicated hoteliers and service staff runs the hotel like a well-oiled machine, but there’s nothing robotic about its hospitality.

The staff here is led by the General Manager Carlo Javakhia, who says the secret to award-winning hospitality is to always go that extra mile.

“It’s all about the human touch. It’s all about the personalities, creating the vibe, and being welcoming and this should be something natural. With our brand, it’s not all about transactions. We look into creating real relationships, where the guest can feel that they have someone, from the moment they check in until the moment they check out, there is always someone they can raise their concerns with, they can ask for assistance, and they feel comfortable.”

The COVID-19 pandemic shed more than $130 billion in revenues from the global hospitality sector. But since then, demand at the Ritz has been more robust than ever and looking beyond the FIFA World Cup, Carlo and his team are anticipating even busier days ahead.

We are very optimistic about all the upcoming events that we will be hosting as a country, and definitely our hotel is one of the main, preferred hotels.

So, after a tricky time right across the sector - whether it’s a tropical-themed swimming pool, a relaxing spa, or just a warm welcome - hotel bosses all over the world know that the business and the art of making people happy has never been more important.

When Qatar won the World Cup bid in 2010, most of the city of Lusail wasn’t built. Now, it's home to luxury hotels, a million square metre shopping mall, the Formula One race track, and the stadium that will host the World Cup final.

Euronews spoke to Dr. Jeremias Kettner, senior advisor at InStrat , a Qatar-based, independent research and advisory platform, and asked him about the tourism sector and what it will look like in years to come.

“We should not forget that the World Cup is only one point in the long history of Qatar as a hub for sports, mega-events, and all kinds of cultural activities, all of which makes it an attractive tourist destination today.

“The development of Qatar follows its strategy to position itself as a cultural hub and tourist destination. According to the Economic Intelligence Unit , Qatar's economy will grow by 5.5% in 2022. That's remarkable, with dwindling numbers elsewhere in the world. A German newspaper just recently wrote on the occasion of the visit of our Chancellor Scholz to Doha - “Whoever ignores Qatar will lose.” And I think they might be right with that analysis.” Concludes Dr. Kettner.

Qatar’s tourism sector continues to witness a strong recovery with more than 729,000 international visitors in the first half of 2022, marking a 19% increase compared to the full year of 2021. And their aim is to raise tourism to 12% of GDP by 2030.

So, after tough times, optimism is back in the hotel sector once again. Growth is happening. Companies are busy. Global economic uncertainty does still lie ahead, but this is a resilient sector, staffed with people who are committed to solving problems with energy, innovation, and ambition.

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Travel & Tourism - Qatar

• In 2024, the projected revenue in Qatar's Travel & Tourism market is US$1,356.00m.
• It is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 8.31%, which will result in a projected market volume of US$1,866.00m by 2028.
• The largest market in Qatar's Travel & Tourism market is the Hotels market, with a projected market volume of US$635.10m in 2024.
• By 2028, the number of users in the Hotels sector is expected to reach 1,645.00k users.
• In 2024, the user penetration rate is 77.4%, which is expected to increase to 90.7% by 2028.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be US$640.40.
• By 2028, 87% of the total revenue in Qatar's Travel & Tourism market will be generated through online sales.
• In global comparison, United States is expected to generate the most revenue in 2024, with a projected revenue of US$199bn.
• Qatar's tourism industry is rapidly growing, with a focus on luxury experiences and cultural attractions to attract high-end travelers.

Key regions: Malaysia , Europe , Singapore , Vietnam , United States

Definition:

The Travel & Tourism market encompasses a diverse range of accommodation services catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. This dynamic market includes package holidays, hotel accommodations, private vacation rentals, camping experiences, and cruises.

The market consists of five further markets.

• The Cruises market covers multi-day vacation trips on a cruise ship. The Cruises market encompasses exclusively passenger ticket revenues.
• The Vacation Rentals market comprises of private accommodation bookings which includes private holiday homes and houses as well as short-term rental of private rooms or flats.
• The Hotels market includes stays in hotels and professionally run guest houses.
• The Package Holidays market comprises of travel deals that normally contain travel and accommodation sold for one price, although optional further provisions can be included such as catering and tourist services.
• The Camping market includes bookings at camping sites for pitches using tents, campervans, or trailers. These can be associated with big chains or privately managed campsites.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Travel & Tourism market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

Prominent players in this sector include online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Opodo, as well as tour operators such as TUI. Specialized platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Airbnb facilitate the online booking of hotels and private accommodations, contributing significantly to the market's vibrancy.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Bookings directly via the website of the service provider, travel agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs) or telephone

out-of-scope

• Business trips
• Other forms of trips (e.g. excursions, etc.)

Travel & Tourism

• Vacation Rentals
• Package Holidays
• Analyst Opinion

The Travel & Tourism market in Qatar has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by various factors that have contributed to the development of the industry in the country. Customer preferences: Travelers in Qatar are increasingly seeking unique and authentic experiences, leading to a rise in demand for luxury travel options, cultural tours, and eco-friendly accommodations. Tourists are also showing a preference for personalized services and seamless digital booking platforms to enhance their overall travel experience. Trends in the market: One notable trend in the Qatari travel market is the focus on sustainable tourism practices, with a growing number of eco-friendly hotels and tour operators catering to environmentally conscious travelers. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism in Qatar, with top-notch healthcare facilities attracting visitors seeking specialized medical treatments. Local special circumstances: Qatar's strategic location as a gateway between East and West, along with its world-class infrastructure and hospitality services, has positioned the country as a desirable destination for both leisure and business travelers. The government's investments in tourism infrastructure, such as the development of museums, cultural sites, and entertainment venues, have further enhanced Qatar's appeal as a tourist destination. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The steady economic growth and diversification efforts in Qatar have played a crucial role in driving the expansion of the travel and tourism sector. The country's hosting of major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, has also boosted tourism growth and investment in the hospitality industry. Additionally, Qatar's visa facilitation measures and efforts to promote tourism have contributed to the overall development of the travel market in the country.

• Methodology

Data coverage:

Modeling approach:

Additional notes:

• Sales Channels
• Travel Behavior
• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

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Qatar's Tourism Sector

Revenue from the Tourism sector in 2019

Total tourist visits to qatar in 2019, about qatar's tourism sector, qatar’s tourism sector saw $15.65 billion in revenue in 2019, even though it was hindered by the previous blockade. qatar still welcomed nearly 2.2 million international visitors in 2019, with over 205,000 being from the americas. this is an increase of over 17% from 2018. and 2020 was also looking very promising until the covid-19 pandemic hit the world. between january and february 2020, the country welcomed 499,000 tourists, which was a 32% increase compared to the same two months in 2019.  the tourism sector is going to continue to grow with the end of the rift and with qatar preparing for the 2022 fifa world cup. from 2016-2018 , the country opened 12 new hotels. at the end of 2018, qatar had a total of 110 hotels (46 being luxury hotels), with a combined total of 24,091 rooms.  in 2019, the tourism industry grew by 6% from the previous year. in the same year, the average cost per room dropped by 2%, even though demand for hotels grew by 15% and there was a 9% increase in occupancy.  qatar’s cruise industry also saw a massive influx, resulting in its largest cruise season ever. from october 2019 to april 2020, qatar recorded 186,000 passengers and 61,000 crew members from 74 cruise ships. compared to the previous cruise season, this is a 120% increase in the number of passengers and a 66% increase in the number of cruise ships arriving in qatar.  some of the major companies in qatar’s tourism sector include qatar airways, marriott, hilton, and royal caribbean cruises..

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is the most visited Museum in Qatar, with over 500,000 annual visitors.

Key organizations, investment promotion agency qatar (ipa qatar), the ipa qatar oversees investment promotion activities under the invest qatar brand and acts as the country’s umbrella organization for foreign direct investment attraction..

Qatar Free Zones Authority

The qatar free zones authority (qfza) is an independent authority created in 2018 to oversee free zones in qatar, offering opportunities for businesses seeking to expand globally., qatar airways, qa is one of the youngest global airlines to serve all six continents, as well as the world’s fastest-growing airline. qa connects more than 130 destinations on the map every day from hamad international airport in doha, qatar., hamad international airport (hia), hamad international airport (hia) is qatar’s new airport which opened in 2014. hia serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers per year., alfardan group, alfardan group is a family run business that specializes in luxury products and services and delivers some of the world’s most-recognizable brands to the qatari market., ali bin ali holding, ali bin ali, established in 1945, is one of qatar’s largest retail and distribution companies. it has 18 businesses, representing 300+ companies in sectors such as food and beverage, fashion, hospitality, mall management, hypermarkets, and manufacturing., abuissa holding, abuissa holding is an internationally recognized leader both as a partner for growth and in exploring the possibilities of innovative new business. abuissa houses over 70 distinguished businesses across 11 sectors., qatar national library, qatar national library (qnl) is a modern facility that provides the people of qatar with access to over one million books. in its role as a research library qnl fosters global insight into the history and culture of the arabian gulf region., qatar business incubation center (qbic), qbic is one of the largest incubation centers in the region. qbic was created to provide all the necessary tools to enable qatari entrepreneurship to succeed, which includes funding, office space, mentorship, and guidance., qatar national tourism council, the qatar national tourism council is a governance council that was approved by qatar's leadership to oversee, coordinate, consolidate and focus the efforts of its key members and stakeholders., katara cultural village, katara cultural village is the largest, most multidimensional cultural project in qatar. it endeavors to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and serve as a guardian to qatar’s heritage and traditions., katara hospitality, katara hospitality is a qatari global hotel owner, developer and operator. katara hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in hotels in qatar while growing its collection of properties in international markets., museum of islamic art (mia), mia represents islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. through safeguarding masterpiece collections of islamic art and showcasing extraordinary exhibitions, mia shares knowledge, spreading curiosity, understanding, and joy., national museum of qatar (nmoq), the national museum of qatar (nmoq) is dedicated to bringing to life the unique story of qatar and its people. designed as a vibrant and immersive space, diverse communities can come together and experience qatar’s past, present and future., al faisal holding, al faisal holding is one of the leading diversified private holding companies in qatar. al faisal has played a key role in the development of the economy of qatar by attracting foreign investment., ezdan holding group, ezdan holding group is involved in the real estate sector. its primary endeavors consist of the acquisition and sale of property and land and the provision of general contract services for all types of projects and buildings., mannai corporation, mannai is a qatari company which provides a wide variety of services and solutions to its ever growing client base. its businesses are in oil and gas, automotive distribution, and information and communication technology., the pearl-qatar is united development center’s flagship project. it is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the middle east and one of the largest real-estate developments in the gulf., qatar chamber of commerce & industry (qcci), the qcci was established in 1963, and its primary function is to organize business interests and represent the qatari private sector both locally and internationally and to support the country’s economic actors and productivity., qatari businessmen association (qba), the key function of qba is to work as the link between qatar’s strategic plans and the activities of qatari businessmen. qba aims to play a leading role in the development of private sector activities at the local and international levels..

The World Cup 2022 and Qatar’s Mass Tourism Challenge: A Sustainable Future?

The State of Qatar is currently planning for the FIFA 2022 World Cup as a mass tourism sports event. But after the fans have departed, what lies ahead for Qatar’s nascent tourism industry? Historically, sports mega-events have not always provided net economic benefits for cities or nations, as argued by economist Andrew Zimbalist in his Circus Maximus: The Economic Gamble Behind Hosting the Olympics and the World Cup (Brookings Press, 2015). As cautionary tales, he points to the disastrous 1976 Montréal, Quebec Olympics (leaving the city in debt for 30 years), the cost overruns of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, and the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

Even though Qatar’s tourism landscape has been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic —which caused a 73% drop in total visitor arrivals from 2019–2020, with only 500 people entering the country in April 2020—the 2022 World Cup has already provided several tangible benefits to Qatar: increased international visibility (resulting in more regional soft power), and firm target dates for much needed basic infrastructural improvements such as roads, water systems, and transport. Additionally, an unintended positive effect of hosting the tournament was a modest improvement in labor conditions in Qatar after rights groups such as Amnesty International turned their microscopes onto the abuses of the kafala system.

Tourism as a diversification strategy forms a modest part of Qatar’s “ Second National Development Strategy 2018–2022 .” As is well known, Qatar’s GDP continues to be dominated by hydrocarbon exports that are impacted by market forces, resulting in the revenue volatility known as the “ resource curse ” or “Dutch disease.” Diversification and development of a knowledge-based economy that diminishes the role of oil and gas exports have been the two key pillars of economic planning in Qatar for over two decades.

An intermediate national target of the “ NDS 2018–2022 ” was to create “a more competitive, productive and diversified economy and a more dynamic private sector with greater contribution to the national economy,” and to “develop and coordinate priority sectors strategies (manufacturing, professional and scientific activities, logistics, financial services, tourism and ICT).” Many strides in the last decade have been made to create this diversified tourist infrastructure in Qatar, including establishing a museums sector by Qatar Museums, creating Hamad International Airport as a major transport hub, presenting Katara as a cultural space, and designating 120,00 hectares as the Al Reem Biosphere Preserve in 2007. However, Qatar’s post-2014 growth (the first year of steep declines in hydrocarbon prices) has been largely fuelled by the construction industry, a non-sustainable trajectory given the small size of the Gulf nation, and the fact that 10% of the country consists of protected reserve land.

The current Service Excellence strategic plan of Qatar Tourism (QT), the government agency tasked with the development and regulation of the tourism sector, contains not only items directly related to the World Cup (hotel and restaurant hygiene—Qatar Clean, and service worker training), but also items designed for post-tournament sustainability of the industry (enhancing tourist information, operator licensing, and developing national cultural heritage experiences).

The “ Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 ” launched in 2014 proposed that by 2030 tourism would: 1) constitute 5.2% of estimated total contribution to Qatar’s GDP; 2) support 7.9–10.7 million total arrivals to Qatar; and 3) generate employment for 98,000 tourist workers. Confronting this vision, however, are unfortunately several hard (environmental) limits to the number of tourist arrivals that the country can sustain. Qatar, a water scarce desert biome, remains the world’s largest per capita emitter of carbon and largest per capita consumer of fresh water. Tourists greatly exacerbate these anthropogenic environmental stressors. The realities of geography and weather in limiting large-scale tourism in desert regions are well known from case studies of Petra, Jordan, the Negev Desert, and Iran.

As I have argued in my research on desert tourism , “lack of concern for environmentally-friendly tourist behavior becomes acute in mass tourism settings [such as the World Cup], since the primary destination motivation for this consumer segment is low cost, and not necessarily an interest in natural beauty or cultural education. Also, large masses of people increase the amount of environmental stress from simple day-to-day activities—such as walking over vegetation, and they generate large amounts of non-biodegradable waste, for example plastic water bottles in hot environments.” Overtourism is now a well-recognized problem in popular destinations such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, Iceland, Venice, and Jordan, not only as a result of physical destruction of built heritage and natural environments, but also due to cultural change from the influx of visitors and the reduction of more stable, traditional economic activities, such as food production, as local workers move into services related to the tourist industry.

Mass tourism events, including the World Cup, have been linked to a variety of ecological and cultural sustainability issues. The World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UNWTO) has embraced sustainable tourism as one of its core pillars for all international tourist activity, and issued the Sustainable Development of Tourism in Deserts: Guidelines for Decision Makers in 2006. Based on this work, I developed the following mitigation strategies for mass tourism in hyper-arid and arid regions, such as Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, which were published in the Routledge Handbook on Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (Routledge 2019):

A rational and modest tourist sector development strategy for Qatar is one that does not rely on sports mega-events such as the World Cup—whose economic benefits are doubtful. This is certainly achievable, particularly if that mix includes a larger percentage of business and academic arrivals from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) sector necessary for the further development of Qatar’s knowledge economy and creative industries. MICE events and education and training programs not only generate tourist dollars, they result in real knowledge transfer to local Qatari partners, which in turn produces the local human capacity for Qatar to produce its own knowledge (and income-generating) products such as patents, trademarked processes, copyrighted media, and technical innovation.

An economically, culturally, and environmentally sustainable tourism plan for Qatar might include: 5 million visitors per year, short-stay (3–5 days) tourism, sports tourism on a smaller scale than the World Cup or Olympics, creative and education industries tourism, niche specialty medical tourism (Aspetar sports medicine), and cultural tourism (museums, film, Bedouin homestays). For Qatar, tourism growth strategies based on shopping, economic free zones, luxury condominiums, and artificial islands will have difficulties competing with Dubai’s more mature and better advertised offerings in those areas. Many of the tourism development suggestions above have already been implemented or are in the planning stages. However, the environmental carrying capacity of Qatar must always be taken into consideration, and some of the well-studied negative consequences of overtourism, including cultural erosion, must be acknowledged.

Article by Alan S. Weber, Professor of English at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar.

Alan S. Weber is a multi-disciplinary humanities scholar at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar with over 170 publications in the fields of education, literature, sociology, and the history of science and medicine. He was the lead organizer of the 1st International Conference on the Medical Humanities in the Middle East in 2018. He also chaired the first International Conference on Healthcare Communication the Middle East in 2020, and in 2018 was elected as the Qatar National Representative for the International Association for Communication in Healthcare (EACH). His research on Internet Health websites in the Middle East won first prize in 2015 from the Qatar National Research Fund, and he shared with his WCMQ colleagues the 2017 Outstanding Book Award from the U.S. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). He has published widely on tourism in the Middle East and GCC.

Read more about the Building a Legacy: Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 project  here .

The posts and comments on this blog are the views and opinions of the author(s). Posts and comments are the sole responsibility of the author(s). They are not approved or endorsed by the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS), Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), or Georgetown University in the United States, and do not represent the views, opinions, or policies of the Center or the University. 

QC, Qatar Tourism seek ways to bolster tourism sector

BALADNA signed an agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for an Integrated Dairy Farming and Powder Milk Production Project

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StarTribune

Qatar elevators and escalators market growth forecast report 2024-2029: doha's designation as arab tourism capital fuels demand, hosting major events and expands infrastructure - researchandmarkets.com.

The "Qatar Elevators and Escalators Market - Size & Growth Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Qatar elevator and escalator market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.29% from 2023-2029, with the number of units growing from 1.09 Thousand Units in 2023 to 1.4 Thousand Units in 2029

Qatar is positioning itself as a noticeable sports destination by successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and securing rights for the 2030 Asian Games. It stepped in to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023, initially planned for China, from January 12 to February 10, 2024. These events emphasize the need for enhanced infrastructure, including stadiums, accommodations, and airport facilities, to manage crowds and tourists effectively and aid in installing vertical transportation to support the Qatar elevator and escalator market growth.

The top 5 prominent vendors, including KONE, TKE, Schindler, and Otis, hold 58% of the Qatar elevator and escalator market. Otis Worldwide Corp. has introduced the Otis ONE Internet of Things (IoT) service platform in the Middle East, available in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the U.A.E. Combining remote-monitoring experience, cloud technology, machine learning, and IoT, it offers real-time monitoring, proactive issue identification, and faster resolution for elevators and escalators. The platform also powers the eView in-car screen display, providing passengers with news and updates during regular operation and an innovative video connection to Otis experts in case of technical breakdowns.

Among the notable projects aligned with Qatar National Vision(QNV) 2030 are the Qatar Integrated Rail, an urban metro and high-speed passenger and freight railway system amounting to USD 40 billion, and the New Port Project, a colossal USD 7.4 billion undertaking designed to cater to food security infrastructure and warehousing needs. The expansion of the Hamad International Airport allocated a budget of USD 15.5 billion, is also part of this comprehensive effort.

Mannai - Microsoft Solutions, an ICT division of Mannai Trading Company WLL and a leading Microsoft Solutions provider in Qatar, announced a strategic partnership with Wizard Cyber, a global cybersecurity firm, in July 2023. This partnership promises enhanced services, expertise, and solutions to businesses and organizations across Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The partnership also introduces a unique Sentinel CyberShield platform in Qatar's Microsoft data center powered by Microsoft Sentinel to provide Modern SOC services.

The Accessible Qatar initiative by Sasol aims to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities in the State of Qatar by providing accurate and instant information about the accessibility levels of public and tourist places. This information is made available through a smartphone app and a website. The app and website feature reliable data curated by experts and user reviews and ratings. The goal is to empower individuals with disabilities and tourists to explore and enjoy Qatar while considering the accessibility factor confidently. Moreover, by sharing information publicly, the initiative encourages establishments to make necessary adjustments to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, the "Accessible Qatar" app promotes Qatar as an accessible destination for all individuals.

Qatar's ambitious 2050 Transport Plan is poised to impact various sectors significantly. The plan allocates 22 new projects in 2023, with an estimated expenditure of USD 2.7 billion. These projects are expected to drive the Qatar elevator and escalator market, especially in Qatar's increasing construction and infrastructure landscape.

The demand for luxury experiences at airports is rising. This could increase demand for elevators and escalators that accommodate high-end customers and boost the Qatar elevator and escalator market. For example, the Louis Vuitton lounge at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, which opened in May 2023, is a luxurious space that offers a range of amenities such as a private VIP room, a cigar lounge, a bar, and more and has a luxury elevator installed. Such spaces require elevators with advanced features like touchless controls and voice-activated commands. Similarly, luxury escalators could be designed with premium materials such as marble or gold plating. Such factors will likely impact the region's luxury elevator and escalator market.

Qatar's Tourism and Infrastructure Projects Boost the Demand for New Installations in the Qatar Elevator and Escalator Market

• Doha Port has transformed into a permanent port for hosting tourist ships, now a key attraction in the heart of Doha. It claims the capacity to accommodate two large vessels concurrently. With such enhancements, tourism companies anticipate the sector will draw 500,000 visitors who arrive via tourist ships by 2026.
• The upcoming 2024 U23 Asian Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar, is anticipated to stimulate the advancement of diverse infrastructure projects nationwide and is projected to propel the Qatar elevator and escalator market. Moreover, the region has bid to host the 2027 Asian Cup and has already been granted the rights to host the 2030 Asian Games. This wave of events is set to catalyze the construction of several high-rise buildings.
• In February 2023, Doha was designated as the Arab Tourism Capital for the year by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. This recognition is set to bolster the region's tourism initiatives to attract 6 million visitors annually by 2030.
• The Ministry of Interior has introduced an extended special card for fans and organizers of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. This card grants them privileges such as bringing along family and friends, seamless entry and exit from the country, and access to a dedicated service known as "Hayya with Me." This significant measure aims to reinforce and fortify the tourism sector.

Government Focus to Increase Foreign Property Investment, Institutional, and Major Line Up of Projects in Qatar to Boost Demand for Installation of Elevators

• The government approved a new law regulating partnerships between the public and private sectors, which is expected to attract more foreign direct investments to the country. These factors support the anticipated continuous growth of the construction sector in Qatar, aligned with the development targets the country aims to achieve by 2030, and support the growth of the Qatar elevator and escalator market.
• In March 2022, United States President Joe Biden officially designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Construction work for the new United States embassy has formally begun in Doha. The planned new building incorporates various energy-saving techniques and addresses environmental responsibility with a design that evokes rich Qatari culture and American ideals. The latest U.S. Embassy will be located on a 12-acre property in a new diplomatic zone in Doha's Wadi al Banat. It will facilitate the continuous growth of diplomatic, security, and commercial relations between the U.S. and Qatar. The new facility will be completed in 2026.
• The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has unveiled its building project plan 2023, known as 'Ashghal 2023'. This initiative encompasses 22 new building projects, collectively valued at around QR4.1 billion (USD 1.1 billion). Additionally, more projects are slated for tender in the third quarter of 2023.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• How big is the Qatar elevator and escalator market?
• What will the growth rate be of the Qatar elevator and escalator market?
• What factors drive the maintenance and modernization segment in the Qatar elevator and escalator market?
• What are the key Qatar elevator and escalator market players? 

Key Attributes:

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Key Vendors

• TK Elevator
• Hyundai Elevator

Other Prominent Vendors

• Sodimas Elevators Qatar
• Almuftah Group
• Bayern Systems
• Sigma Elevator
• Johnson Lifts Pvt. Ltd.
• Europe Elevators

Elevator Market Segmentation by

Machine Type

• Hydraulic and Pneumatic
• Machine Room Traction
• Machine Room Less Traction

Carriage Type

• 2-15 Persons
• 16-24 Persons
• 25-33 Persons
• 34 Persons and Above
• Residential

Escalator Market Segmentation by

Product Type

• Multi Parallel
• Public Transit

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cchix3

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