Qatar maintained the tourism momentum generated by its hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ late last year, with a total number of international visitors reaching 730,000 in January and February 2023, an increase of 347% compared to last year. It started the new year with 340,000 visitors in January 2023, an increase of 295% year-on-year, and 389,000 visitors in February 2023, a whopping 406% increase compared to the same period last year.
The month of February witnessed the highest number of international visitors in the past ten years, with the exception of the month during which the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ took place, making it the busiest month for visitors to the Qatari tourism sector.
Qatar has succeeded in establishing its position as a leading tourist destination thanks to its proven track record in safety and security, the provision of an efficient and smooth transportation network, and its possession of a group of pristine beaches, tourist attractions and heritage sites. Tourists from all over the world continue to flock to Qatar to experience the unique blend that combines tradition and modernity. The beginning of the year also witnessed an influx of visitors to Qatar to enjoy a group of events and festivals that were held within the “Winter in Qatar” activities launched by Qatar Tourism, which included concerts and performances by a group of the brightest singers and artists in the region and the world, as well as the Doha Festival for Jewelry and Watches and ». Qatar Live” and other events and activities suitable for all family members.
Doha, which was recently crowned as the capital of Arab tourism for the year 2023, hosted many international sports tournaments during the months of January and February, such as the “Visit Qatar” Freestyle Kiteboarding World Cup 2023, Qatar Total Energies Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Open Tennis, which contribute to strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading destination. Sports tourism.
On this occasion, Mr. Berthold Trinkle, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, said: “We are very pleased to see the progress we have made towards achieving our 2030 strategy, which aims to receive between 6 to 7 million visitors annually and increase the employment opportunities provided by the sector and reach with a contribution The tourism sector in the gross domestic product to 12%. There is no doubt that this remarkable performance also reflects the growing position achieved by Qatar as a world-class tourist destination for travelers seeking unique tourism experiences, and is evidence of the success achieved by the activities of “Winter in Qatar” and the new platform for Qatar Tourism’s brand “More than a Feeling”, which was well received. Widely acclaimed among families all over the world. These record numbers further motivate us to continue innovation and provide more wonderful experiences for our visitors.”
The celebrations held in Qatar on the occasion of the Kuwaiti National Day and the Saudi Foundation Day in the second half of February contributed to a significant increase in the number of visitors coming from both countries. The number of visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 86,000, while the number of visitors from Kuwait reached 20,000. Together, they accounted for 73% of the total number of visitors from the GCC countries and 27% of the total number of international visitors in February. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came to the top of the ranking, as the number of visitors coming from it to Qatar represented 22% of the total visitors to Qatar in January and February 2023.
The “Winter in Qatar” activities launched by Qatar Tourism included various events and festivals, such as the Qatar Balloon Festival, in which more than 50 balloons from 17 countries participated that decorated the skies of Doha over the days of the festival, as well as the famous show “Disney Princesses Concert”, which was presented to the public in partnership with the airlines. Qatar Airways. Qatar Tourism also hosted a variety of family entertainment shows, such as the Claw Patrol Festival and Circus 1903, as well as “Qatar Live”, through which a group of the brightest singers in the region and the world, such as John Legend, Angham, Asala, Nawal Al Kuwaiti, Mutref Al Mutref and Ibrahim Dashti, presented distinguished concerts that contributed to creating an atmosphere A wonderful celebration throughout the first quarter of the year.
The mission of Qatar Tourism is to consolidate Qatar’s position on the world tourism map as a leading destination that blends the authenticity of the past and the modernity of the present.
Qatar Tourism, which specializes in organizing, developing and developing the tourism and hospitality industry and encouraging the private sector to invest in it, is responsible for setting the national strategy for the tourism and hospitality sector and following up on its implementation and reviewing it periodically, so as to enhance the diversification of tourism offers in the country and support the increase in tourism spending.
Qatar Tourism is working to enhance Qatar’s presence on the global tourism map and enhance the ability of the tourism sector to reach the target audience directly through the network of representative offices in the most important global markets, and through advanced digital platforms.
