Qatar experienced a significant surge in tourism during the first half of 2024, with visitor numbers increasing by 28% compared to the same period last year. According to Qatar Tourism, the country welcomed over 2.6 million international tourists, largely driven by the success of the AFC Asian Cup.

Saudi Arabia remained the top source market, contributing nearly 30% of total arrivals. Other key contributors included India, Bahrain, the UK, Kuwait, Oman, Germany, the USA, the UAE, and Italy.

The tourism boom in Qatar led to a significant increase in hotel occupancy, with room-night demand soaring by 28% to reach 4.9 million. January emerged as the peak month for visitor arrivals, with over 700,000 tourists.

Qatar’s tourism strategy is guided by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30. The country aims to attract six million visitors annually and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP by 12% by 2030.

To achieve these goals, Qatar has simplified its visa policies, positioning itself as the most open country in the region and the eighth most open globally, according to the UNWTO in August 2018. Measures include visa-free entry for nationals of 102 countries.