Qatar’s hospitality sector has kicked off 2025 with remarkable success, welcoming over 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter. This surge underscores the nation’s strategic focus on diversifying tourism offerings, hosting globally recognised events, and expanding accessibility. Visitors from across the GCC, Europe, and Asia have flocked to the country, taking advantage of Qatar’s varied travel options via air, land, and sea. The strong performance of key events like the Web Summit Qatar and the Qatar International Food Festival has bolstered Qatar’s status as a dynamic, year-round destination.
The hospitality sector’s growth has been reflected in increased hotel occupancy rates, which reached 71%, while 2.6 million room nights were sold, signalling heightened demand. Notably, Eid Al Fitr 2025 marked a record holiday period with 214,000 visitors, a 26% increase compared to the previous year. This surge highlights Qatar’s increasing appeal, particularly among GCC visitors, who accounted for nearly half of the arrivals.
Qatar’s leadership in regional tourism was reaffirmed with the hosting of the 51st UN Tourism Regional Committee, where discussions focused on sustainable tourism development. Notably, the ongoing transformation of Khor Al Udaid into an eco-tourism destination exemplifies Qatar’s commitment to blending upscale tourism with environmental preservation.
Major events have also contributed significantly to Qatar’s hospitality boom. The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition welcomed 30,000 visitors and saw record sales, while the Qatar International Food Festival attracted over 365,000 guests. These events, along with the growing cruise tourism sector, are positioning Qatar as a prominent player in the regional tourism landscape.
Looking ahead, Qatar’s robust event calendar promises continued growth. With high-profile events like the T100 Triathlon World Championship and the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™, Qatar’s hospitality industry is set to thrive, further cementing its reputation as a global tourism hub.
