Doha, Qatar: Qatar has solidified its status as a premier tourist destination in recent years, a top official has said.
In a recent press conference at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Qatar Tourism Chairman, H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, highlighted the nation’s strides in becoming a premier tourist destination. He emphasised the commitment to strengthening tourism assets, maintaining service excellence, introducing new services, and creating unique visitor experiences.
“Over the past year, Qatar has been able to strengthen its position as a premier tourist destination, working on designing tourism assets, maintaining the excellence of services, providing new tourism services, and designing unique experiences for visitors [..] strengthening its position as a preferred destination for families.”
The 3rd National Development Strategy 2024-2030 positions the tourism sector as crucial for economic diversification, aiming to contribute to sustainable economic growth. The strategy focuses on enhancing business event tourism, developing meeting and exhibition activities, and leveraging Qatar’s enhanced infrastructure, Al Kharji explained.
Moreover, he explained that the strategy defines initiatives to support tourism policies, enhance sector attractiveness and competitiveness, and maximise benefits from Qatar Airways’ connectivity.
“We at Qatar Tourism sector have a great work ahead over the coming years that we pledge to overcome all obstacles and enhance partnerships and cooperation with various components of the tourism sector to achieve the strategic goal of receiving six million visitors by 2030.”
The Chairman is also confident that Qatar is not far from reaching the said goal: “We already succeeded during 2023, we received more than four million visitors who enjoyed the distinguished tourist experience from the moment they arrive at Hamad International Airport, Doha Port, or Abu Samra border.”
Qatar Tourism Chief of Marketing and Promotion Officer, Engr. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, meanwhile, expressed the commitment to position Qatar as a leading global destination.
He outlined plans to elevate the contribution to GDP to 12% by 2030 and double employment in the tourism sector. “Qatar’s tourism landscape has been defined and innovated to a compelling experience to international driver, all year round; we work on curating world-class events that attract visitors from the region.” The tourism sector, anticipating a transformative 2024, has unveiled a calendar featuring over 80 events.
From exclusive art displays at New York’s The Met to hosting the world’s largest technology conference for the first time in the region, Qatar is set to host a diverse array of cultural events, sporting championships, summits, e-mobility panels, and more throughout the year.
The aim is to curate world-class events that attract visitors globally, establishing Qatar as a year-round destination.