Qatar Tourism concluded 2024 with remarkable milestones, showcasing its growing influence and prominence in the global tourism landscape. The in-destination tourism spend in Qatar surged by 38 per cent in 2024 to QAR40 billion ($10.97 billion), while the total international visitor numbers crossed five million for the
first time.
The total number of visitors rose to 5,076,640 in 2024, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to 2023, which saw 4,046,281 visitors.
In December alone, Qatar welcomed 594,079 visitors, a 14.6 per cent rise from the previous year and an increase of 74,000 visitors compared to November 2024.
The hospitality sector surpassed 10 million hotel nights for the first time, state news agency (QNA) reported citing Qatar Tourism.
The growth was driven by an additional 48,000 air travellers and 35,000 land visitors. Visitor numbers in December also surged by 74,000 compared to November 2024.
Visitor demographics revealed a diverse appeal, with GCC nationals accounting for 41 per cent of visitors and the remaining 59 per cent coming from key international markets. Top five countries include Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
MAJOR EVENTS
Visitor arrivals peaked during key events, such as the AFC Asian Cup in January, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, the thriving 2024/2025 cruise season, and the November school holidays, which saw record visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia. The year also witnessed significant growth in accessibility, with visitors arriving by air (56 per cent), land (37 per cent), and sea (7 per cent).
Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar said: “Surpassing five million visitors in 2024 is a landmark achievement that underscores Qatar’s evolution into one of the world’s premier family-friendly destinations. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enhancing the visitor experience and achieving our ambitious targets of tripling visitor numbers and significantly increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030.”
Qatar’s commitment to innovation and excellence was recognised with three prestigious awards: the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the Visit Qatar GenAI Chatbot Trip Concierge, the Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet), and the Silver Award for Best Web Platform at the MENA Digital Awards. Visit Qatar also won the ‘Enterprise AI Tech Awards’ in the Best Use Case of Gen AI 2024 category for its Visit Qatar GenAI Chatbot and Trip Planner. The AI-powered Trip Concierge, available on the Visit Qatar website and app, provides personalised itineraries and insights in over 50 languages, revolutionising travel planning and earning accolades at the World Summit AI Qatar 2024.
The Visit Qatar app was honoured for its user-centric features, including the unified profile and Visit Qatar Pass, which offers up to 50 per cent savings on experiences. These features have made the app an indispensable tool for travellers exploring Qatar. Additionally, the Qatar Tourism Awards platform was celebrated for its enhanced accessibility, doubling user interaction and award submissions.
Qatar’s culinary scene reached new heights with the debut of the Michelin Guide in the country. This milestone affirmed Qatar’s status as a global dining destination, with two restaurants earning one Michelin star, four receiving a Bib Gourmand, and 33 being Michelin-selected. These achievements highlight the diverse and exceptional quality of Qatar’s gastronomic offerings.
The year also saw Qatar Tourism actively participate in renowned international conferences, including the EU-GCC Business Forum, IBTM World in Spain, Web Summit in Lisbon, and World Travel Market (WTM) in London. These platforms facilitated invaluable partnerships and showcased Qatar’s offerings to global audiences.ALL-ROUND ACHIEVEMENTS
Qatar enjoyed a remarkable year in 2024, marked by a series of successful events and a surge in visitor numbers.
The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) celebrated its 20th anniversary, attracting over 500 brands and 30,000 attendees. The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) also drew large crowds, showcasing diverse cuisines and entertainment.
The country hosted its first-ever Luminous Festival, a dazzling display of light installations and cultural performances in Lusail Boulevard. Qatar also made a strong impression at UEFA EURO 2024, with The Doha Club proving a popular destination for fans in Berlin and Munich.
Tourism initiatives throughout the year included the successful Stopover in Qatar campaign, encouraging visitors arriving in Doha to explore the country. The launch of the Visit Qatar TV channel further showcased the emirate's diverse offerings to a global audience.
The cruise sector saw significant growth, with a record-breaking season expected, featuring maiden visits from major cruise lines.
Qatar Tourism also hosted an event showcasing its strategic vision for the future, emphasising sustainable growth and positioning the country as a premier global destination.