Travel and tourism sector to contribute $34.12bln to Qatar's economy in 2025
Doha: Qatar's Travel & Tourism sector is on a positive growth trajectory as it is projected to contribute QR124.2 billion to the national economy this year. The sector is fast becoming one of the country's most powerful economic engines, according to research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
According to the data the travel and tourism sector is expected to reach QR166.6bn by 2035.
With international visitors accounting for almost 90% of travel spending, and over 75% of all trips taken for leisure, Qatar is continuing to cement its place as an international favourite. The sector is set to support over 350,000 jobs in 2025, rising to more than 487,000 by 2035, WTTC noted.
Spending by international visitors is expected to increase significantly this year, forecasting a spending of QR 98.8bn in 2025, while domestic spend is projected to reach QR12.6bn this year.
Meanwhile the spending by international and domestic visitors is projected to reach QR144.7bn and QR16.7bn by 2035.
Qatar's tourism sector began 2025 with strong momentum, welcoming over 1.5 million international visitors between January and March.
This surge was driven by an integrated tourism strategy that combines high-profile events, strategic partnerships, and diversified destination experiences.
Visitors from GCC countries accounted for (36%), followed by Europe (28%) and Asia and Oceania (20%), reinforcing Qatar's growing appeal across varied markets.
Visitor arrivals by air (51%), land (34%) and sea (15%) highlight the effectiveness of Qatar's diversified access strategy.
Qatar reaffirmed its leadership in regional tourism by hosting the 51st UN Tourism Regional Committee for the Middle East, where discussions focused on harnessing Qatar's strengths in sports, innovation, and infrastructure to drive sustainable tourism across the region.
© Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
12 hours ago
- UAE Moments
US Airlines Cut Gulf Routes Amid Regional Tensions
American Airlines and United Airlines have suspended their Gulf routes due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move marks the first time major U.S. carriers have paused services to key transit hubs like Doha and Dubai, raising concerns among travelers and industry insiders. American Airlines Suspends Philadelphia–Doha Route American Airlines has suspended its daily flight from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar. The last flight departed from Doha early Thursday, and service is paused until at least June 22. The decision follows a security advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, which urged American citizens to remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and keep a low profile. In a statement, American Airlines said: 'We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed.' United Airlines Halts Newark–Dubai Service United Airlines also announced it has paused its daily Newark–Dubai flights. The airline stated it would resume the service only 'when it's safe.' This follows earlier suspensions of Tel Aviv routes by both United and Delta, after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran earlier this month. Major Hubs Affected for the First Time This is the first time the aviation disruption caused by the Israel–Iran conflict has affected regional transit giants like Dubai and Doha. These hubs are vital for long-haul flights connecting the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Air France-KLM and Air Canada have also canceled multiple flights to Gulf destinations this week, including Dubai and Riyadh, signaling a wider trend of caution among global carriers. Airspace Disruptions Continue Airspace closures reached a peak on Friday. Israel halted all overflights, and Iran temporarily shut down operations at Tehran's main airport. Other countries in the region, like Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, have been alternating between opening and closing their airspace as tensions evolve. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar reported temporary restrictions on access to Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. and allied military facility in the region. What This Means for Travelers If you're traveling to or through the Middle East in the coming weeks, be sure to double-check your flight status and monitor embassy advisories. Airlines are expected to resume services only when the regional situation stabilizes.
UAE Moments
12 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Pinay Flying High: How a Filipina Built a Travel Life Abroad
When most people imagine a travel influencer's life, they see curated Instagram feeds and luxury destinations. But for Noemi, the woman behind Pinay Flying High, the journey started with a BS Tourism degree, a leap of faith at 23, and a one-way ticket to Dubai. Finding Her Wings in Dubai Born and raised in the Philippines as the youngest of four, Noemi knew early on that she wanted more than the traditional path. At 23, she broke away from her close-knit Filipino family and moved to Dubai after landing a job with Emirates as a travel agent. For seven years, she lived and worked in the UAE—soaking in not just the travel perks, but also the cultural shock, the heat, and the lessons that came with being an OFW. Catching the Travel Bug Early Noemi's love for travel didn't start in Dubai. She began backpacking at age five with her aunt around the Philippines. That early exposure to adventure grew stronger over the years and evolved into a lifestyle. Today, she continues to explore the world—now with her husband, fondly called 'The Greek Mister,' by her side. Together, they plan at least two trips a year, balancing time between Greece, the Philippines, the U.S., and occasional personal holidays. Living Across Continents After Dubai, Noemi relocated to Doha, Qatar for her husband's work. While she expected to dislike it, she was surprised by how well she adjusted. Eventually, though, the couple decided they'd had enough of the Middle East's harsh climate and made their way to the UK, settling in Kingston-Upon-Thames, London. Now based in the UK, Noemi's blog covers London life, European travel guides, and honest reflections on expat living—from cultural adjustments to finding joy in the city's abundance of trees. Navigating Interracial Marriage Married to a Greek man, Noemi shares the ups and downs of intercultural marriage—from language barriers to clashing food preferences. Her posts often highlight the humor and heart in dealing with these differences—though her husband isn't always thrilled when he's mentioned! Despite struggling to learn Greek, she proudly admits she knows all the important 'bad words'—and is still working on mastering the gestures to match. Building Her Platform What started as a personal blog turned into a platform that connects, inspires, and entertains. Pinay Flying High isn't just a travel blog—it's a glimpse into the real life of a Filipina who carved out a life abroad on her own terms.
UAE Moments
12 hours ago
- UAE Moments
GCC Approves Unified Tourist Visa, Launch Expected Soon
A major move for Gulf tourism is underway. A single tourist visa covering all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been officially approved, according to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. In a recent interview, Al Marri confirmed that the visa is now in the final stages of preparation and will be rolled out once the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities complete implementation. One Visa, Six Destinations Once in effect, the unified tourist visa will allow international travelers to explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain without the need for separate entry permits for each country. The move is expected to simplify travel across the Gulf, support regional tourism goals, and boost visitor numbers—especially for those who want to experience multiple destinations in a single trip. What's Next? While no official rollout date has been announced, the plan is already in motion. The visa is now with the interior ministries and key agencies across the region for final processing. This step aligns with ongoing efforts to promote the Gulf as a connected tourism hub, making cross-border travel smoother, faster, and more attractive to international tourists.
