Discover Qatar Stopover Programme Achieves Record-Breaking Growth, Amplifying Qatar's Appeal as a Premier Tourism Destination
The remarkable growth demonstrates the exceptional success of Qatar Stopover Programme.
Doha, Qatar – Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming over 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme's relaunch in August 2021. This achievement reflects Qatar's growing appeal as a world-class destination and the programme's growing popularity.
In January 2025, the programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025 – as compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.
The programme has also driven exceptional growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold so far this year – doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme's sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe.
Stopover is proving incredibly popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers too, with 20% of customers using the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, with logged in Privilege Club members earning Avios and Qpoints with every transaction.
Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds, said: 'Qatar Stopover Programme is central to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By leveraging Qatar Airways' extensive network of over 170 destinations and the outstanding travel experiences we offer, we have firmly established Qatar as a must-visit destination. At Discover Qatar, we are committed to delivering tailored packages that combine cultural discovery, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.'
The growth of the Stopover programme has been attributed to a combination of financial support from Visit Qatar coupled with strong demand from key source markets, driven by strong marketing campaigns from the Qatar Airways teams in Doha and in outstations across the globe. Leading global source markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. The stop over programme has also received significant support from the travel trade, with particularly strong contributions coming from Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
This accomplishment also highlights the world-class transit experience at Hamad International Airport, recognised as the World's Best Airport by Skytrax in 2024. Together, these elements enhance Qatar's position as a premier destination, offering a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern luxury.
About Stopover:
Discover Qatar's Stopover programme offers a range of packages designed for travellers transiting through Doha with layovers of 12 to 96 hours. The packages start from just $14 for Standard hotels, in addition to three more package types – Premium, Premium with Doha Sands Beach access and Luxury, providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to indulge and explore Qatar's unique attractions.
About Qatar Airways Holidays:
Qatar Airways Holidays, the leisure division of Qatar Airways, a multi award-winning airline, operates from 84 countries globally. Offering unrivalled choice and unmatched quality, Qatar Airways Holidays features a diverse portfolio of holiday products including Flight + Hotel packages, cruise vacations, Qatar Stopovers, tours, and transfers.
A one-stop-shop for exclusive Fly + Stay packages, Qatar Airways Holidays has an inspiring selection of 170+ destinations, 300,000+ hotels and 40+ cruises. When booking your packages, expect unbeatable prices with guaranteed lowest package prices when you combine flights and accommodation in one itinerary.
Qatar Airways Holidays also provides convenient packages including flights, hotels and event tickets for global sporting events such as FIFA and Formula 1® – with unforgettable experiences.
Privilege Club members can double-dip by collecting Avios on flights, plus Avios and Qpoints on the total holiday package value. Members can also use Cash + Avios to book packages at an unparalleled exchange rate, saving more and earning greater rewards.
From irresistible offers on a wide range of trusted properties around the world to brilliant sporting experiences, you can fully customise your package and create truly memorable holidays.
About Discover Qatar:
Discover Qatar is the Destination Management Company (DMC) for the Qatar Airways Group. Discover Qatar strives to make Qatar stand out on the world stage as a premium tourist destination and takes immense pride in developing and showcasing the best experiences available here.
Discover Qatar has built an excellent network of partnerships which enables it to offer: An exceptional and comprehensive selection of hotels including Stopover
A unique range of tours and excursions
Airport services including Transit Tours, Meet and Assist and Transfers
Stopovers, long and short stays to ensure every customer is able to experience Qatar at its best
A growing range of sporting events
End to end service for MICE events, Cruise handling and Educational Travel
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