Qatar is witnessing its rise as a tourist destination, thanks to government’s efforts to make it a global sporting and events hub and a place to relax and unwind. The country has established itself as a tourism destination with its safety record, seamless public transport, pristine beaches and cultural sites. Tourists from around the world come to Qatar to experience its unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Since the beginning of the year visitors arrived on the peninsula to enjoy the line-up of festivities offered as part of Qatar Tourism’s Feel Winter in Qatar campaign, including performances by celebrated regional and international artistes, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition and other family-friendly events.
Besides, Doha hosted many world-class sporting events in the first two months of the year, including the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023, Qatar TotalEnergies Open, and Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
Programmes and initiatives taken by different bodies in the country to promote tourism and attract tourists have led to significant increase in the number of visitors from neighbouring countries.
The second half of February witnessed arrival of 86,000 visitors from Saudi Arabia and 20,000 arrivals from Kuwait, which together constituting 73 percent of all arrivals from the GCC and 27 percent of all international arrivals in February. Saudi Arabia stood as the biggest contributor, representing 22 percent of total visitors to Qatar in January and February 2023.
Qatar welcomed a total of 730,000 visitors in January and February 2023, marking an increase of 347 percent from the previous year. There were 340,000 international visitors in January 2023, a 295 percent increase year-on-year, and 389,000 visitors in February 2023, a staggering 406 percent increase from the same period last year.
The month of February marked the highest number of international arrivals to Qatar in the past 10 years, with the exception of the months of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, making it the busiest month for tourism in the country.
Commenting on the record figures, Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Tourism Berthold Trenkel said:
“We are excited to see the progress we have made towards achieving our 2030 strategy, which aims to welcome 6-7 million visitors annually, increase employment in the sector and have tourism account for 12 percent of the country’s GDP. Our performance also highlights Qatar’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for travellers seeking unique experiences.”
