“Qatar’s Tourism Surge: GCC Visitors Propel Growth & Ambitious Goals”
In Doha, Qatar, the influx of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been a significant driver of tourism growth. Official data from the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) highlights the substantial contribution of GCC travelers to the rise in tourist arrivals, particularly in January 2024.
In Doha, Qatar, the influx of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been a significant driver of tourism growth. Official data from the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) highlights the substantial contribution of GCC travelers to the rise in tourist arrivals, particularly in January 2024.
Qatar’s ambition to attract six million tourists by 2030 is backed by a national strategy aimed at boosting the sector’s GDP contribution from 7 percent to 12 percent. In January 2024, the country welcomed 370,051 visitors from GCC nations, marking a remarkable 160.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The surge continued from December 2023, where the number of GCC visitors reached 171,035, showing a monthly rise of 116.4 percent.
Overall, visitors from the Gulf region constituted 53 percent of total arrivals, with another 7 percent coming from other Arab countries. The latter saw a significant annual increase of 446.1 percent, with 51,583 visitors arriving in January 2024 compared to 9,446 in January 2023.
The influx of visitors was not limited to the GCC and Arab regions. From Asia, including Oceania, 103,713 visitors arrived in January 2024, representing a 79 percent increase from the previous year. European visitors accounted for 20 percent of total arrivals, while those from the Americas constituted 27.5 percent.
The hosting of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 played a pivotal role in attracting tourists, with Qatar welcoming a total of 702,800 visitors in January alone. The extension of the Hayya Card, initially introduced during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, also benefited tourists visiting for the Asian Cup.
Qatar’s tourism sector experienced a successful year in 2023, welcoming over four million visitors, the highest figure in five years. The launch of the third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, underscores the importance placed on tourism.
Looking ahead, Qatar Tourism has unveiled a diverse calendar of over 80 events for 2024, ranging from cultural exhibitions to technology conferences, sporting events, and summits. With such a rich lineup, Qatar is poised to continue its trajectory as a top destination for tourists in the region.
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