Qatar achieves record tourism growth in 2026

International arrivals to Qatar reached 5.1 million in 2025, a 3.7% year‑on‑year increase, with December accounting for 674,000 visitors (up 16% YoY), driven by major events such as the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and an expanded global marketing push.

2025 performance and operational highlights

Qatar’s tourism figures for 2025 reflect simultaneous gains in volume and revenue. The hospitality sector sold more than 10.8 million room nights, an 8.6% rise over 2024, while total accommodation revenue climbed to QAR 8.3 billion, marking 12% annual growth. These operational outcomes were supported by coordinated international campaigns, strategic partnerships, and a dense events calendar that fortified both leisure and business demand.

Accommodation demand and revenue mix

Occupancy and average daily rates moved in tandem, producing meaningful top‑line gains for hotels and serviced apartments. Demand growth was broad‑based across city, resort, and event-driven accommodation, with December performing particularly strongly. The revenue uplift underscores improved yield management and diversified source markets that reduced seasonality effects.

Events, marketing and MICE momentum

Qatar activated over 35 international strategic partnerships and ran 95 integrated marketing campaigns across 19 markets, amplifying destination visibility. The national calendar exceeded 600 events spanning cultural, sports, and entertainment formats. The MICE sector was a key growth engine:

• More than 1 million international business visitors for conferences and exhibitions;
• 14 successful bids secured for international conferences and exhibitions through 2026–2027;
• Designation of Doha as GCC Tourism Capital 2026, reinforcing regional leadership.

Service excellence and workforce development

Service quality initiatives focused on culinary and hospitality standards, with the nationwide Taste of Qatar program assessing over 800 restaurants and awarding 150 establishments a 3‑Star certification. The MICHELIN Guide Doha continued its expansion, and workforce programs progressed: over 55,600 participants completed the Qatar Host programme and approximately 13,000 students graduated from the Qatar Specialist scheme since 2022. These investments target consistent service delivery across hotels, F&B outlets, and visitor touchpoints at events.

Digital platforms, logistics and scalable event readiness

Operational resilience was bolstered by upgraded digital systems and logistical planning for large events. The Hayya platform processed nearly 1 million e‑visa applications and supported over 1.1 million ticket scans during the FIFA Arab Cup with zero critical disruptions recorded. Such technical readiness reduced friction at ports of entry and venue access points, improving overall visitor throughput efficiency.

Cruise and maritime activity

Cruise tourism recorded tangible progress: 72 port calls were scheduled for the 2025–2026 season, signaling growing interest from cruise operators in including Qatar ports. Expansion of cruise calls has knock‑on effects for berth planning, port logistics, ground operator capacity, and ancillary services in marinas and waterfront districts.

Strategic alignment with national objectives

These outcomes align with the Qatar National Vision 2030 priorities of sustainable economic diversification and service excellence. Investments in partnerships, digital processing, human capital and event infrastructure support long‑term resilience and multiplier benefits across transport, retail, and cultural sectors. The country’s rising profile as an event destination has also amplified regional connectivity and airline seat capacity, reinforcing logistics corridors into the Gulf.

Historical context and trajectory

Qatar’s tourism trajectory has accelerated since major global exposure in the early 2020s. Hosting world‑class sporting events catalyzed infrastructure upgrades—airports, highways, public transport and hospitality assets—that improved visitor handling and extended stays. Prior to 2025, phased development of marinas, waterfront promenades and cultural attractions gradually repositioned the country from short‑stay business visits to multi‑purpose leisure and conference itineraries. The introduction of structured certification programmes and international guides has helped elevate culinary and hotel standards, complementing destination marketing efforts.

Outlook and practical considerations for tourism stakeholders

Looking ahead, continued expansion will depend on sustaining diversified source markets, converting one‑time event visitors into repeat leisure travellers, and scaling ground‑services capacity. Logistics planners should anticipate seasonal peaks around major sports and cultural events; port authorities and marina operators may need to refine berth allocation and tendering procedures to accommodate increased cruise and private yacht calls. For hoteliers and DMCs, balanced rate strategies and packaged experiences that combine cultural, beach and marine activities will be critical to maintaining ADR and occupancy gains.

In summary, Qatar’s 2025 performance—5.1 million visitors, higher room nights and QAR 8.3 billion in accommodation revenues—demonstrates how an event‑led strategy, amplified by coordinated marketing, MICE success and digital readiness, can transform visitor flows and commercial returns. The growth in cruise calls and waterfront programming points to emerging opportunities in marine leisure and marinas that will affect future planning for berths, shore excursions and yachting services. For travelers and industry players eyeing the Gulf, the shifts in demand profile suggest robust potential for charter, yacht and boat activities alongside traditional beach and city offerings.

GetBoat is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news, and this development in Qatar is particularly relevant for those interested in yacht charter, boat rent and broader marine activities in the Gulf. As arrivals and cruise calls grow, opportunities for yacht and superyacht charters, marina services, shore excursions, fishing trips and day‑sailing increase—benefiting captains, charter operators and travelers seeking destinations with sun, sea and waterfront activities. For those planning to explore these evolving Destinations and book a yacht, charter or boat—whether for leisurely sailing, sport fishing or luxury superyacht experiences—consider searching listings on GetBoat.com to compare options, captains, rates and available marinas in the region.