21-05-2025
Tourism contributed 8% to Qatar's GDP: Al Kharji
Tribune News Network
Doha
The contribution of the tourism sector to Qatar's GDP stood at QR55 billion in 2024, up 14% from the 2023 level, and 8% of the country's total economic output, Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji has said.
Al Kharji made the statement while participating in a high-level panel discussion on 'Tourism in Focus' at the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2025.
The session, moderated by Bloomberg Television anchor Joumanna Bercetche, featured Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, and explored key themes shaping the future of global tourism, including luxury and sustainability, economic resilience, health tourism, and emerging market trends.
He assured that Qatar is well on track to achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goal of contributing 12% to GDP, highlighting the sector's increasing importance in the nation's broader economic diversification strategy.
In 2024, international visitor arrivals reached 5million, a 25% year-on-year increase, with in-destination spend totalling nearly QR40 billion. The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, recording 10 million room nights sold during the year.
As part of the panel, the Chairman highlighted how global travel demand is shifting towards lifestyle-driven and purpose-led experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxury nature-based getaways.
He noted that travellers are increasingly prioritising experiences, such as bespoke accommodation, culinary exploration, and curated cultural activities, over traditional material spending.
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.
He also discussed the expanding opportunities in regional collaboration, health tourism, and investment. He highlighted joint initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, enhanced air connectivity with China, and Qatar's integrated health and wellness offerings.
He also outlined major development projects such as the QAR 20 billion Simaisma coastal destination and ongoing expansions at Hamad International Airport, reinforcing Qatar's positioning as a premium, sustainable, and competitive global destination.
Held under the theme 'The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,' the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 convened global leaders to examine key topics including geopolitics, technology, energy security, investment, and the future of sports and entertainment.
