Children having fun at toy festival. Pic: Mahmoud Elmazaty/The Peninsula
DOHA: Qatar’s tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by rising international visitor numbers, enhanced hospitality offerings, and a dynamic year-round calendar of festivals and events that continue to attract both residents and global travellers.
Market players emphasised the vital role that summer activities and cultural festivals play in boosting domestic tourism. They highlighted that these activities are not limited to the summer season but are part of a broader strategy to promote tourism throughout the entire year.
Reflecting on Qatar’s achievements, Ayman Al-Qudwa, a prominent expert in travel and tourism, noted that festivals remain a powerful draw for both domestic and international audiences.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the third and largest edition of the Qatar Toy Festival is underway, building on last year’s success when it attracted over 100,000 visitors.
Other high-impact events include the Ras Brouq Winter Festival, which brought in more than 55,000 visitors, and the “Eat All” Ramadan Festival, which welcomed over 100,000 attendees. During Eid Al-Fitr 2025, the Sky Lusail Festival alone drew a crowd of over 340,000 in just three to four days.
“These festivals are not just tourist attractions—they’re community experiences,” said Al-Qudwa, noting that many events are tailored to families, children, and youth, reinforcing tourism’s role in enhancing quality of life in Qatar.
Al-Qudwa praised the collaborative efforts of Qatar Tourism and its public and private sector partners, stating that they are actively analysing and building on these numbers to further develop the sector. One of the most notable innovations has been the introduction of stopover packages for international travellers flying with Qatar Airways via Hamad International Airport. This initiative allows passengers in transit to explore the country, thus contributing to the tourism economy.
