Qatar welcomed more than 5.1 million tourists in 2025, marking one of the strongest years for tourism in the country’s history and reinforcing Doha’s growing global appeal. Visitors from around the world were drawn to Qatar’s year-round events calendar, major festivals, and international sporting competitions, positioning the country as a leading destination in the Middle East.
The surge in arrivals highlights the success of long-term investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and destination marketing. As Qatar moves closer to its Tourism Strategy 2030 goals, the 2025 figures clearly show why Doha continues to gain momentum on the global tourism map.
Qatar Tourism Performance in 2025
Qatar Tourism announced that 2025 delivered exceptional results across all tourism indicators.
Key highlights include:
- 5.1 million international visitors welcomed to Qatar
- Strong demand driven by events, exhibitions, and cultural experiences
- Continued post-World Cup global visibility
These figures underline Qatar’s ability to attract diverse visitor segments year-round.
What Makes Qatar a Leading Tourism Destination
Qatar’s tourism growth is closely tied to its ability to offer variety and scale.
Visitors experienced:
- International conferences and exhibitions
- Cultural celebrations and heritage events
- Family-friendly attractions
- Luxury hospitality and shopping experiences
This balanced mix of culture, entertainment, and innovation ensured every traveller found something distinctive during their stay in Doha and beyond.
Why This Growth Matters for Doha and Qatar
The sustained rise in visitor numbers reflects Qatar’s strategic focus on quality tourism experiences.
Officials highlighted:
- Seamless visitor journeys across air, land, and sea
- Expanding hospitality capacity
- High service standards across hotels and attractions
- Strong destination branding through global campaigns
Tourism now plays a central role in Qatar’s economic diversification strategy.
Visitor Source Markets and Travel Trends
Earlier data from 2025 shows strong regional and international demand:
- GCC countries: 36 percent of visitors
- Europe: 26 percent
- Asia and Oceania: 22 percent
Modes of entry:
- 57 percent arrived by air
- 33 percent by land
- 9 percent by sea
In the first half of 2025 alone, international arrivals reached 2.6 million, a 3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Major Tourism Developments Shaping the Future
One of the most transformative projects is the QR20 billion Simaisma coastal destination, expected to become a landmark tourism and leisure hub.
The project reflects:
- Commitment to sustainable tourism growth
- Long-term infrastructure development
- Alignment with Qatar’s national vision
Such developments are key to supporting higher visitor volumes while maintaining quality experiences.
Doha Named GCC Tourism Capital 2026
The GCC Tourism Capital committee officially announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, further strengthening Qatar’s regional leadership.
Visit Qatar and Qatar Tourism are expected to unveil:
- Joint Gulf tourism initiatives
- Regional promotional campaigns
- A year-round calendar of cultural and community events
This programme aims to generate long-term economic and tourism impact.
Tourism’s Economic Impact on Qatar
Tourism delivered a historic contribution to Qatar’s economy:
- QR55 billion added to GDP in 2024
- Representing 8 percent of total economic output
- A 14 percent increase compared to 2023
Qatar is now firmly on track to achieve its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of tourism contributing 12 percent of GDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tourists visited Qatar in 2025?
Qatar welcomed more than 5.1 million international visitors in 2025.
What made Qatar popular with tourists in 2025?
World-class events, festivals, sporting competitions, cultural attractions, and luxury hospitality drove tourism growth.
Which region sent the most tourists to Qatar?
GCC countries accounted for the largest share at 36 percent, followed by Europe and Asia/Oceania.
Why is Doha important for Qatar’s tourism strategy?
Doha serves as the main hub for events, hospitality, and international connectivity and will be the GCC Tourism Capital in 2026.
