Latest news with #SaadBinAliAlKharji
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qatar tourism sector accounts for 8% of GDP, official says
RIYADH: Qatar's tourism industry contributed 55 billion Qatari riyals ($15.1 billion) to the country's gross domestic product in 2024, accounting for 8 percent of total economic output, according to a senior official. The figure marks a 14 percent increase compared with 2023, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji said during a high-level business forum in Doha, the country's news agency reported. The uptick aligns with the Gulf nation's broader Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost the sector's contribution to 12 percent of GDP and attract 6 million visitors by the end of the decade. The report stated: 'His Excellency highlighted some of 2024's achievements, which saw international visitor arrivals reached 5 million, a 25 percent year-on-year increase, with in-destination spend totaling nearly QAR 40 billion.' It added: 'The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, recording 10 million room nights sold during the year.' Speaking during a panel discussion titled 'Tourism in Focus' at the 5th edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, Al-Kharji emphasized the global shift in travel demand toward lifestyle-oriented and purpose-driven experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxurious nature-based getaways. He further noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences like personalized accommodations, culinary adventures, and curated cultural activities over traditional material purchases. 'Qatar's strategy aligns with these trends, focusing on six high-potential demand spaces and delivering 54 strategic projects across product development, regulation, and visitor experience enhancement,' the QNA report stated. The chairman highlighted that his organization is working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to develop a dedicated health tourism strategy, with several plans already approved. The Gulf nation ranks among the highest spenders on healthcare, allocating up to 12 percent of its annual budget to the sector, and Al-Kharji added further investments will boost tourism related to the industry. Qatar is also gearing up to host several major international sporting events in the coming years, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027, and the 2030 Asian Games. The chairman underscored Qatar's commitment to combining luxury with sustainability across all projects, citing examples such as the Ras Abu Aboud Resort and the Qatar National Convention Centre. The center was the first venue in the region to be certified for both luxury and sustainability, alongside Msheireb Downtown Doha, which was developed to embody both eco-consciousness and upscale living. According to figures released in May, Qatar welcomed over 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, as the country continues to advance its tourism strategy built on major events, strategic partnerships, and diverse travel experiences. While slightly below the 1.6 million visitors recorded during the same period in 2024, the latest figures underscore Qatar's sustained momentum in attracting global travelers.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar to sign $5.49bln high-end beach resort
Qatar is set to sign its first public-private partnership (PPP) for a new QR20bn high-end beach resort Thursday, as the nation pivots its tourism development towards maximising its coastal attractions, Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji has announced. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum Wednesday, he said the project signifies a strategic shift towards maximising the nation's coastal attractions and offering distinctive luxury experiences. According to al-Kharji, the centerpiece of this expansion is the 'Simaisma Project,' located just a 20-minute drive from the Raffles Doha hotel. He added that this expansive development will feature a 'Land of Legends Theme Park' with diverse attractions and a golf course, promising a world-class experience for visitors. He said further details on the PPP project, involving Qatar Tourism, the Public Work Authority, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, are expected to be announced Thursday. Al-Kharji also revealed that Qatar is placing a moratorium on new hotel licenses, with the exception of beach, waterfront, and resort properties. Currently, he said Qatar boasts a portfolio of 40,000 hotel rooms, with an additional 7,000 in the pipeline. This strategic adjustment aims to channel future development towards high-value coastal experiences that align with Qatar's vision for luxury tourism. The discussion, moderated by Joumanna Bercetche of Bloomberg Television, also explored the intrinsic link between luxury and sustainability in Qatar's new wave of development. Al-Kharji underscored that this integration is by design, woven into the fabric of every recent project in Doha. 'Luxury and sustainability are very well integrated here in Qatar, in every and each project been developed recently in Doha,' al-Kharji said. He cited several examples, including the Ras Abrouq resort, a 'great habitat hotel' built within the environmentally sensitive Al Reem Biosphere Reserve. The Qatar National Convention Centre, a beacon of sustainability in the region for over a decade, boasts a LEED Certificate. Furthermore, Msheireb Downtown Doha exemplifies this dual focus, designed as both a luxurious and environmentally friendly urban space. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar ranks first in tourism growth in the region
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has emerged as the regional leader in tourism growth, recording the highest increase in visitor room nights across the Gulf. As part of its strategy to sustain this momentum, the country is developing a series of beachfront developments to enhance it as a premium leisure destination while reinforcing its focus on quality, extended stays, and economic impact, noted Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, he stressed that the country is shifting its tourism strategy to focus on high-impact metrics and longer visitor stays. 'In 2024, we reached five million visitors, which is a 25 percent increase from 2023. But more importantly, we exceeded 10 million room nights for the first time. This gives us a clearer picture of economic impact,' said Al Kharji. Qatar currently ranks first in the region for room night growth, outpacing tourism giants. 'We've seen a 22 percent growth in room nights ahead of Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi and Kuwait follow with 10 percent and 8 percent, respectively,' he noted. Al Kharji emphasised that length of stay is a key focus. He said, 'We want tourists to stay longer in Doha to enjoy the sun, sea, adventure, and quality family time. It's about offering more than just a quick visit.' The Chairman also revealed that the tourism sector contributed QR55bn to the national GDP in 2024, accounting for 8 percent of the total economic output and a 14 percent rise compared to 2023, by affirming that the country is firmly on course to meet its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of reaching a 12 percent GDP contribution. On the other hand, Qatar continues to leverage its world-class infrastructure by hosting major global events. 'We are hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Arab Cup, and Formula 1 later this year,' Al Kharji said. 'These events activate our stadiums, transport networks, and the strong global reach of Qatar Airways.' Looking ahead, Qatar will also host the Basketball World Cup in 2027 and the Asian Games again in 2030. Additionally, Al Kharji highlighted a new push toward medical tourism, backed by Qatar's significant healthcare investment. He said, 'We spend around 12 percent of our national budget on health. With the Ministry of Public Health, we have developed a new strategy to attract visitors for world-class healthcare services.' The strategy was recently approved by the Prime Minister and is seen as a key way to diversify tourism offerings. Technology and training are also central to Qatar Tourism's plans. 'We are working with AI and big tech firms to bring tourism closer to the people and personalize the experience,' he said. The Qatar Excellence Academy is training hospitality workers, guides, drivers, and even global partners to promote Qatar effectively. The country is also launching major beachfront developments, including the QR20bn Simaisma project featuring a theme park. 'Tomorrow (May 22), we will announce our first Public-Private Partnership with the Public Works Authority and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to develop new beaches. We are also building a beach for this hotel (Fairmont and Raffles), which is missing,' he said. Al Kharji added, 'Qatar currently has 40,000 hotel rooms, with another 7,000 in the pipeline.' © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Qatar Welcomed 1.5M+ Tourists in Q1, Led by GCC and Europe
Qatar's tourism sector began 2025 with strong momentum, welcoming more than 1.5m international visitors between January and March. Visitors from GCC countries accounted for (36 per cent), followed by Europe (28 per cent) and Asia and Oceania (20 per cent), reinforcing Qatar's growing appeal across varied markets. Visitor arrivals by air (51 per cent), land (34 per cent) and sea (15 per cent) highlight the effectiveness of Qatar's diversified access strategy. Notably, Eid Al Fitr 2025 delivered the highest holiday arrival figures in three years, with 214,000 visitors during the eight-day period, a 26 per cent increase over 2024. GCC visitors accounted for 49 per cent of the total, marking an 18 per cent year-on-year increase, and hotel occupancy reached 77 per cent, up 10 per cent from the same period last year. Strong performance across the hospitality sector accompanied this growth. 71 per cent average hotel occupancy and 2.6m room nights sold reflected heightened demand fuelled by key events including Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), and the Qatar International Food Festival. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: 'The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development. Part of the development transcends into deepening collaboration across local, regional and international markets and continue to diversify source markets, enhance visitor experiences, and reinforce Qatar's position as a dynamic, year-round destination. 'We are excited to have welcomed 1.5m in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year.' 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. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Qatar is also progressing the transformation of Khor Al Udaid into a premier desert tourism destination. Anchored in the Tourism Assets Masterplan, the project blends environmental preservation with upscale, nature-based visitor experiences—positioning it as a model for eco-tourism in the region. To further elevate the visitor experience, Qatar Tourism has also launched the 'Taste of Qatar' initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Ipsos, aimed at benchmarking and enhancing the country's dining landscape for both residents and tourists. The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors, featuring more than 500 international and local brands, and recorded sales exceeding QR246m ($68), up nearly 10 per cent from last year. Visit Qatar's first-of-its-kind Ras Abrouq desert activation drew 55,000 visitors over 60 days, while Visit Qatar's Sealine Village attracted over 48,000 attendees. Shop Qatar 2025 generated QR120m ($33m) in sales, a 50 per cent increase year-on-year, and awarded QR2.5m ($688,000) in prizes. The Qatar International Food Festival brought together more than 365,000 visitors and 180 restaurants, including 28 international outlets, while the Throwback Food Festival welcomed over 100,000 to Doha's Old Port. The 2024/2025 cruise season recorded 87 ship calls (up 19 per cent from previous season), including five maiden voyages and 13 homeporting calls, bringing in over 360,000 cruise visitors, which is a 4 per cent increase year-on-year. More than 10 per cent were turnaround passengers, supporting Qatar's positioning as a regional cruise hub. Momentum is set to continue with a robust calendar of confirmed events. Qatar will host the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation annually until 2030. Upcoming highlights include the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, the return of the Visit Qatar E1 Grand Prix of Electric Boats, as well as a series of major festivals and sporting events, all set to further diversify tourism offerings and drive sustained growth. Also read: Omar Farooq's 'Ana Laha' Wins GCC Award From Qatar Foundation's Akhlaquna Initiative
ILoveQatar.net
04-05-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
Over 1.5 million international visitors received in Qatar between January and March 2025
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. Notably, Eid Al Fitr 2025 delivered the highest holiday arrival figures in three years, with 214,000 visitors during the 8-day period, a 26% increase over 2024. GCC visitors accounted for 49% of the total, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, and hotel occupancy reached 77%, up 10% from the same period last year. Strong performance across the hospitality sector accompanied this growth. 71% average hotel occupancy and 2.6 million room nights sold reflected heightened demand fuelled by key events including Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE), and the Qatar International Food Festival. HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: 'The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development. Part of the development transcends into deepening collaboration across local, regional and international markets and continue to diversify source markets, enhance visitor experiences, and reinforce Qatar's position as a dynamic, year-round destination. We are excited to have welcomed 1.5M in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year.' Leading Regional Synergies, Sustainable Tourism, and Visitor Satisfaction 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. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Qatar is also progressing the transformation of Khor Al Udaid into a premier desert tourism destination. Anchored in the Tourism Assets Masterplan, the project blends environmental preservation with upscale, nature-based visitor experiences—positioning it as a model for eco-tourism in the region. To further elevate the visitor experience, Qatar Tourism has also launched the 'Taste of Qatar' initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Ipsos, aimed at benchmarking and enhancing the country's dining landscape for both residents and tourists. Major Events Fuel Demand and Elevate Global Profile The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2025 welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors, featuring over 500 international and local brands, and recorded sales exceeding QAR 246 million, up nearly 10% from last year. Visit Qatar's first-of-its-kind Ras Abrouq desert activation drew 55,000 visitors over 60 days, while Visit Qatar's Sealine Village attracted over 48,000 attendees. Shop Qatar 2025 generated QAR 120 million in sales, a 50% increase year-on-year, and awarded QAR 2.5 million in prizes. The Qatar International Food Festival brought together 365,000+ visitors and 180 restaurants, including 28 international outlets, while the Throwback Food Festival welcomed over 100,000 to Doha's Old Port. Cruise Tourism Grows Steadily The 2024/2025 cruise season recorded 87 ship calls (up 19% from previous season), including five maiden voyages and 13 homeporting calls, bringing in over 360,000 cruise visitors, which is a 4% increase year-on-year. Over 10% were turnaround passengers, supporting Qatar's positioning as a regional cruise hub. Ongoing Global Campaigns Drive Awareness Qatar continues to elevate its global tourism profile through a mix of high-impact campaigns and strategic market activations. In Q1, Qatar had a prominent presence at global platforms including FITUR (Spain), ITB Berlin, and the Outbound Travel Fair in India, reinforcing its appeal to high-potential travellers. In addition, Visit Qatar enhanced its international stopover campaigns and broadened visibility through content-driven outreach and targeted media placements across key source markets. At the regional level, tailored campaigns played a pivotal role in boosting visitation and engagement, particularly from the GCC, which accounted for 36% of all international arrivals in Q1. Three major initiatives made a strong impact including the Ramadan campaign 'Welcome Our Dear Neighbours', the interactive TV programme 'Emrah wa Erbah', and the Eid Al Fitr campaign 'Entertainment on Us'. These efforts successfully deepened cultural resonance and encouraged travel during key periods, contributing to record-breaking visitor numbers during Eid Al Fitr 2025. Momentum is set to continue with a robust calendar of confirmed events. Qatar will host the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation annually until 2030. Upcoming highlights include the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™️, the return of the Visit Qatar E1 Grand Prix of Electric Boats, as well as a series of major festivals and sporting events, all set to further diversify Qatar's tourism offerings and drive sustained growth.
