Qatar’s tourism sector gains momentum, up 31 percent in 2023

The sector also proved to be a vital source of employment, creating more than 20,300 new jobs, and raising the total to nearly 286,000 nationwide, representing one in every eight jobs across the country. Domestic visitor spend was also stronger than ever to reach US$4.42 billion (QAR16.1 billion).

Yet despite hosting the FIFA World Cup in the previous year, spending by overseas visitors increased by nearly 40 percent year-on-year to reach QAR60.4 billion, approximately US$16.59 billion. However, it was still behind the previous peak by QAR1.2 billion (US$329.64 million).

Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, said; “Qatar’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised to break all records this year, highlighting its significance as a leading destination in the Middle East. “The government’s efforts and emphasis in collaboration will propel Qatar’s tourism growth, setting the stage to play a crucial role in the national economic landscape, promising a future defined by prosperity and opportunity.”

This year, travel and tourism is set to contribute an all-time high of QAR90.8 billion (US$24.95 billion) to the Qatari economy, making up 11.3 percent of the total, and will support more than 334,500 jobs across the country, comprising 15.8 percent of the total workforce.

Spending by international travellers is expected to increase significantly this year, with forecasts indicating a record spend of QAR69.6 billion (US$19.12 billion). Meanwhile, domestic spend is projected to reach QAR12 billion (US$3.29 billion). As part of these collaborative efforts, dedicated working groups across multiple industries have been established, with regular meetings planned to tackle challenges and leverage private sector expertise to drive tourism growth.

The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than twenty-five percent in 2023 to reach almost US$460 billion. Jobs reached nearly 7.75 million, and international spending grew by 50 percent to reach US$179.8 billion. Domestic visitor spending grew by 16.5 percent to reach more than US$205 billion.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is forecasting that travel and tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2024 with the GDP contribution set to reach US$507 billion. Jobs are forecast to reach 8.3 million, international visitor spending is forecast to reach US$198 billion and domestic visitor spending is expected to reach more than US$224 billion.

The Chedi Katara