qatar tourism vision

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The State of Qatar

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Qatar has emerged as an iconic tourism, art and cultural hub, blending Arab tradition with modern global trends to share with visitors from across the world.

As a country located between East and West, about 80% of the world’s population lives within a 6-hour flight, and nationals from over 95 countries can enter Qatar without a visa.

Tourism in Qatar  

The tourism sector is one of the most important pillars for Qatar’s economic diversification, and is integral to sustaining its economic growth.

Qatar Tourism, Qatar’s official tourism governing body, carries out five core functions to strengthen the country’s status as a gateway to the world:

• Strategic planning and policy development
• The development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote investment opportunities in the tourism sector
• Destination marketing and promotion for both leisure and business events
• The enhancement of visitor experience in collaboration with tourist-facing entities
• The management of regulatory affairs, including the swift and efficient execution of all tourism licenses and similar services

Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030

To continue to develop the tourism sector in the State of Qatar, a National Tourism Sector Strategy was developed, aimed to be fully implemented by 2030.

Aiming to attract 6 million visitors per year by 2030, Qatar’s strategy focuses on several key areas that reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, such as:

• Cultivating a rich collection of museums and cultural highlights.
• Hosting world-class conventions and exhibitions.
• Constructing exceptional urban developments.
• Bringing a plethora of sporting events to the country.
• Promoting outstanding educational opportunities at world-class universities.
• Building new ultramodern airport and one of the world’s most advanced rail transit systems.

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, NMoQ gives voice to Qatar’s rich heritage through immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

MIA is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, spanning over 1,400 years. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I.M. Pei, MIA is a globally acclaimed museum.

Qatar National Library (QNL)

QNL cultivates Qatar’s heritage by providing a unique environment for learning and enrichment in a culturally exceptional setting.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf takes a unique look into contemporary Arab art. With an extensive collection of modern art from across the region, Mathaf aims to promote dialogue and foster creativity.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum takes visitors on a journey from artefacts collected from the Jurassic age through to the early Islamic period and up to the present day. The museum’s collection was acquired by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani during his international travels.

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is considered one of the most innovative and technologically advanced sports museums in the world. It is a member of the Olympic Museum Network, which connects 22 Olympic museums worldwide.

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village celebrates the region’s architectural heritage and is considered a platform to introduce the world’s cultures, by hosting concerts, shows, and exhibitions on global, regional and local levels.

Msheireb Museums

Four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha tell stories about Doha’s history. These houses are Radwani House, Company House, Bin Jalmood House, and Mohammed bin Jassim House.

Souq Waqif is one of the oldest souqs in Qatar and now serves as a popular social and tourist spot. Historically where Bedouin tribes would bring their essential goods for trade and sale, Souq Waqif is now a bustling location where visitors can have authentic, popular dining and shopping experiences.

Al Zubarah Town and Fort

Al Zubarah Town and Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once known as a centre for pearl diving. Al Zubarah Fort is adjacent to the walled coastal city of Al Zubarah, which is considered the most important landmark of Al Zubarah archaeological site.

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Tourism is rapidly growing in Qatar and is one of several economic sectors that the country is focusing on to enhance economic diversification over the coming decade. Qatar enjoys a strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, on average only 6-7 hours away from many of the world’s major population centers and travel hubs.  It’s five-star airline, Qatar Airways, connects over 160 destinations worldwide to Doha; and upon arrival, visitors enjoy unsurpassed safety, comfort and hospitality.

Qatar's tourism strategy aims at positioning the country as one of the most desirable destinations worldwide for both leisure and business. Qatar’s tourism offerings –from arts and culture, to adventure and sport, to sand and sea – are distinct, providing traditional experiences with a unique modern twist.

Qatar Tourism is the main government body for planning and regulating the tourism sector. Its mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

Visit Visas

Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar, while citizens of remaining countries can apply for either Electronic Travel Authorization or an Online Tourist Visa.  Allowable lengths of stay vary by country of origin. Visitors can check their eligibility and any terms and conditions that may apply  here . 

Click  here  to learn more about Qatar’s touristic offerings and experiences.

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Qatar, Ideal Tourist Destination Where Authenticity Meets Present, Future

Doha, June 14 (QNA) - In the past few years, the State of Qatar has become an ideal tourist destination and one of the most favored destinations for visitors who seek diversified experiences where the authenticity of the past meets the present and the future.

Qatar has all the elements of tourist attractions that suit various cultures, which are represented in its natural reserves, ancient castles, a chain of international hotels and resorts, public gardens and parks, restaurants, traditional local markets, and grand malls. Qatar is also seen as one of the worlds safest tourist destinations, and its visitors have the chance to explore the authenticity, welcomeness, and hospitality that characterize the Arab culture of the country.

Qatar's efforts in the tourism sector were further enhanced when Doha was chosen as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in February, a testimony to the impressive levels presented by Qatar in entertainment and hospitality sectors with ambitions of attracting six million visitors annually by 2030.

To support that direction, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) extended the validity of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans and organizers Hayya card until Jan 24, 2024, which allows the Hayya Card holders to use the "Hayya with me" service to 'Hayya with Me' feature, which allows Hayya card holders to invite up to three family members or friends, a multiple-entry permit to the country, and the use of the e-Gate system for entry and exit via state ports, while no fees are required, which is seen as a major step to strengthen the tourism sector.

Qatar has placed the tourism sector as one of the five priority sectors within the Qatar National Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, through which it is possible to build a more diversified economy and enhance the private sector's contribution to it. In this regard, Qatar relies on its strategic geographical location as flying hours from many of the world's major capitals are only 6 to 7 hours.

The advantage of the easy access is one of the pillars of tourist attractions in the State of Qatar, as 80% of the world's population can reach Qatar after a flight of no more than 6 hours, while more than two-thirds of the world's population can enter Qatar without a visa, under the slogan: the State of Qatar welcomes the world.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar and winner of the highest world aviation awards, Qatar Airways, operates flights to more than 150 destinations around the world, which include the most important capitals of the world in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, as well as North and South Americas. Meanwhile, Hamad International Airport also provides its services for more than 50 international airlines.

Tourism offers vary in 6 areas: coastal tourism, desert tourism, cultural tourism, exhibition and conference tourism, sports tourism, family and urban leisure tourism, and marine tourism, to ensure the balance between supply and demand in the hospitality sector and diversify tourist accommodation options.

Since winning the bid for organizing the FIFA World Cup 2022, the State of Qatar has been keen to achieve a comprehensive renaissance as providing the tourism sector with sufficient and necessary competencies and cadres as one of its bedrocks.

In addition, Qatar encouraged international investments by simplifying procedures as a main pillar for the advancement and development of the tourism industry in a way that guarantees the provision of the most unique and diversified experiences for its visitors. As a result, the investors had a unique competitive advantage to set up their companies, being at the forefront of companies entering a fast-growing market.

Qatar Tourism Authority worked for a decade as a liaison and coordination link between investors, local and international companies, and relevant government agencies in the tourism sector. The electronic licensing system was launched as part of the "single window" initiative, which provides all government services that the investor needs in one place, ensuring the acceleration of tourism transactions.

In this regard, Journalist and Economic Academic Dr. Abdulrahim Al Hour praised, in his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the qualitative shift achieved by Qatars tourism sector in recent years and the accompanying remarkable development in terms of diversifying the facilities of such an important vital sector, as well as preparing and strengthening its infrastructure to make it more comprehensive and responsive for the aspirations of tourists in their different categories, such as hotel, educational, medical, sports and cultural tourism, as well as conference and seminar tourism.

Al Hour called for concerted efforts to employ these successes in maximizing the gains of the tourism sector and building on them to provide integrated and diversified tourism services at competitive prices that add more momentum to the sector's operations and enhance its gains. He stressed that the State of Qatar had made great strides in this field and now occupies a prominent position on the global tourism map.

He pointed out the transformation of the global tourism concept from competitive to complementary.

To achieve that, it is necessary to move forward in this direction to make it an attractive sector for various tourists from outside the region, similar to the success of the State of Qatar in attracting regional tourists, especially those coming from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, due to the uniqueness of family tourism, in addition to the close geographical location.

At the local level, Dr. Al Hour believes that it is necessary to support the tourism sector with a distinctive package of services at preferential prices, which contribute to attracting the general population of the country and encouraging them to turn to it to ensure the continuity of operating tourism facilities throughout the year.

In a related context, Financial Analyst Waleed Al Fuqaha stressed in his remarks to QNA the importance of the role of Qatars tourism sector in diversifying the national economic base and its contribution to enhancing the gross domestic production (GDP) as Qatar is currently focusing on improving the contribution of this sector in its economic direction, as well as raising its contribution to about 12 percent by 2030.

He indicated that this sector has recently recorded remarkable success in accommodating the increasing numbers of visitors to the State of Qatar and those flocked to it to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches.

Al Fuqaha added that the well-thought-out preparation for the various types of entertainment events that the country holds throughout the year has contributed to attracting more tourists and has also led to enhancing the competitiveness of Qatars tourism sector, which has a clear and distinct presence.

The maritime tourism sector in the State of Qatar attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, especially after the opening of various beaches and providing them with specialized modern equipment and buildings. The vital location of Doha Port allows visitors to start exploring the most beautiful sights in the country as soon as their ships arrive.

After the development project it underwent, Doha Port became a permanent port to receive tourist ships and one of the tourist attractions in the heart of Doha with a capacity that allows receiving two giant vessels at the same time. Tourism companies expect the tourism sector will attract 500,000 visitors boarded by tourism ships by 2026.

The port is distinguished by being a few minutes away from most of the citys tourist sites, including Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Doha Corniche, the National Museum of Qatar and the Katara Cultural Village, as well as the Pearl and Lusail cities, which enjoy luxurious leisure facilities, in addition to providing specialized boats for a free visit to Banana Island.

For lovers of relaxation on the sand and the sea, the State of Qatar has developed several distinct beaches on the Gulf, including the Sealine Beach Resort in southern Mesaieed, which offers its visitors a unique experience that combines relaxation and adventure through water sports, desert safari trips, horse and camel riding, in addition to beach volleyball. The resort is located near Khor Al Adaid Beach, which is considered as one of the few places in the world where the sand dunes meet the sea.

On the northern side of Qatar, Qatar Tourism Authority opened Fuwairit Beach for water sports and windsurfing before the World Cup, in addition to providing distinguished trips for eco-tourism lovers by visiting the Zhakhira natural reserve, which provides kayak trips to visit the purple island and access to mangroves and natural bird reserves. Not to mention the historic castle tour that takes their lovers to the historical forts of Zubarah and Zekreet.

In addition, the State of Qatar hosts more than 80 sporting events and world championships annually in many sports fields. Qatar wrote its name in the records of sports history as the first country in the Middle East to have the honor of hosting the World Athletics Championships (2019) and the World Corporate Games (2019), in addition to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as the 2023 FINA World Championships.

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Qatar’s World Cup Prep and the Quest for a Lasting Tourism Experience

Colin Nagy , Skift

October 31st, 2022 at 1:30 AM EDT

Qatar has made strides since my last visit a year ago, with more of a cultural pulse, less friction for guests as large-scale hospitality and infrastructure projects come online ahead of the World Cup. Officials are hoping once the players leave the pitch for a final time in December Qatar will have earned its credentials as a lasting tourism fixture in the region.

On Experience

Colin Nagy is a marketing strategist and writes on customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond.

You can read all of his writing here .

I last checked in on Qatar’s World Cup progress about a year ago . I found Doha to be a city careening towards a very hard deadline, while also working out supply chain kinks with Covid, and some friction with guest experience getting in and out of the country. As I reported at the time, I could squint and see the bigger picture, and the larger strategic building blocks that were being put into place, amidst the construction dust, new hotels, and infrastructure coming online.

I flew in again a few weeks ago, out of sheer curiosity. My final approach into Hamad International revealed a more sophisticated skyline, particularly in the northern part of Doha, in Lusail. I saw more cultural touch points throughout the city like M7, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech. There were more cafes like Kitsune and Toby’s Estate Coffee, scattered around the Mandarin Oriental in the Soho-feeling Msherib development. Per the demands of the tournament, there were also new places where people can assemble to watch the matches outside, with music playing and people congregating outside: something I wouldn’t have seen five years ago.

I saw the new stadiums, opulent new shopping centers, and also areas that hinted to me the larger ambitions for Qatar post-World Cup, moving the country from the obligatory stopover to a destination. And that is really the larger question. Can Qatar be a longer-term draw once the final football goals are scored this December, especially in an increasingly complex and competitive tourism marketplace that is evolving in the Middle East?

Qatar is, more so than many other tourism stories today, a fascinating mix of vision, ambition, taste, as well as regulatory and cultural challenges. The country has used the games, like many World Cup hosts before it, as a forcing factor to accelerate change. While neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia are using press friendly 3D-rendered images and speculative future developments with catchy names, Qatar seems to be building things rooted more in the now. And they have taken a longer term vision, not just building for the needs of the tournament, but looking farther ahead.

It’s useful to have a starting point to reference: The National Museum provides a snapshot of the country’s brief history since becoming independent in 1971. Throughout the visual narrative that plays out for tourists, there is a subtext that suggests, “look what we have accomplished in a short time: It’s one thing to be a rich country, it’s another to go from desert to urbane sophistication in a meaningful way.” When you consider that context, the scale of the task seems more immense.

It would be easy to be caught up just in the needs of accommodating the tournament. But based on my observations, there are longer-term pillars being built to have longer term resonance. First, the investment in arts and culture has been meaningful: from museums, threading all the way through to design and retail shops invited to open in the country and support for young designers and innovators. Wellness and medicine is another pillar. Cedars-Sinai has announced the opening of a hospital in Qatar, which will serve as a medical destination. Zulal, a large scale wellness resort opened in partnership with the iconic Chiva Som property in Thailand, located an hour’s drive out of Doha, is a five-star resort focused on medical treatments as well as regenerative health.

This intention for longer-term pillars of attraction runs across many other elements of development such as education, and also includes softer, less tangible areas of customer experience.

Berthold Trenkel, chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, posed the open-ended question to me, “We’ve built the basics, now the question is how can we now create a tourism experience that is more fantastic?” He alluded to improving the nuances of tourist experience. Trenkel told me of a program to up-level the rideshare driver quality and knowledge, and also the desire to embed tourism information into cars, transport, and other touch points so people know what they can do during their visit.

“We want to invest in these soft elements, using the regulatory levers when we can.” He told me that getting Airbnb online in the country happened quickly; it required a two-week regulatory sprint to align with some company mandates, and that there are some things to improve the soft product that can be rapidly expedited. Other things can take much longer.

Part of good strategy means knowing your audience. Trenkel told me that they are being thoughtful in who they are trying to target as they build the long term tourism vision. There are certain people that won’t be converts to taking their holiday in the Middle East. Others, like high spend travelers going onward to Africa, are a smart target. “In some markets we will not win. Strategy is about saying no,” he said. Family travel was referenced as an increasing market for the country: the Middle East, and particularly Qatar, is child friendly, and more tourism attractions are catering to this. He gestured over his shoulder to a roller coaster attraction that didn’t exist a year prior.

Part of the longer term sell is also making the country good for foreigners to move to: from migrant workers to executives, and establishing a place where people want to put down roots. As I informally canvassed diplomats, employers, and various members of the hospitality trade, they said that progress has been made in the past 10 years in terms of minimum wage, housing standards, environmental standards regarding outside work in the heat, for the lower class workers. But there is a longer way to go in terms of true, lasting labor reform, and creating more of a magnet where people can come work and feel they have mobility, freedom, and true support to set down roots. Rights need to extend down the line, from professionalism, to the young worker coming to work and send money home to their family. This will take time, but is necessary.

The World Cup will also be a pressure test for handling cultural tensions between the West and a more conservative Islamic society, something that transcends just the tournament experience. Much thought has been put into how this will come together, but will only be visible when the tourists stream in.

Trenkel shared with me the approach to so-called “fan zones,” allowing people to congregate outside and watch matches. There will be areas for food, selected areas where alcohol will be served, and a convivial environment. He also pointed to the strong demand from regional visitors for “dry” experiences, as guests from Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait and other places are going to want to enjoy the matches without alcohol. And owing to the infrastructure investments, fans will be able to take in a few matches in a day if they want, owing to the spacing of match times in the early phases. The stadiums are not oversized like Barcelona’s storied Nou Camp, but rather clocking in at 40,000 visitors, allowing a better viewing experience of the action on the pitch.

As this column covers experience, there were also open questions in my last column about friction and entry into the country. I had an awkward time getting in and out of the country, downloading apps, needing local numbers, and having to go to a hospital to get an exit PCR. This appears to be fixed. As of October 26, PCR test requirements were dropped to enter the country. The required contract tracing Ehteraz app, previously required to cross the border and also enter public places, has also been dropped. Ticket holders need to now have a Hayya card, which is required to both enter the stadiums and get into the country. It’s essentially a fan ID that gives access to metro and bus transportation services, and also supplants the need for visas for international visitors.

In my eyes, it is progress to have a Middle Eastern country host the World Cup. The investment, infrastructure and ambition have moved the country forward significantly since I first visited, and in a more thoughtful way than some of the quickly morphing regional neighbors. For some of Qatar’s much publicized faults and mistakes, there has been a strong strategy, and also cultural taste that has run across the development of hotels, of museums, and of the arts and culture initiatives.

What they have done has not just solved for hosting the World Cup, but it has started a longer-term journey that will involve all aspects of society: labor, development, and culture. If the same ambition carries through, the country’s tourism will look much different in five years. And if they take the feedback to heart and catalyze more change, sustainably, it will be a regional, and perhaps global, success.

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Tags: middle east , middle east newsletter , On Experience , qatar , world cup

Photo credit: A huge building in the form of a torch located in the middle of Doha in Qatar. Officials are hoping all its investment ahead of the World Cup will pay off permanently for a bright tourism future. autau / Getty Images

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Get the most from your time in Qatar with these handpicked deals on hotels and experiences. In just a few days, you can pack in a world of experiences, from breathtaking art and high-end shopping to desert adventures and epic water parks.

Hilton Salwa - Spa experience with afternoon tea!

From Indulge in an Aroma well-being massage and unwind with a cup of tea served at Nesma Lounge</p>\n","summary":"<p>Indulge in an Aroma well-being massage and unwind with a cup of tea served at Nesma Lounge</p>\n","offerType":"travelPackage","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/hotels","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/special-discount","visitqatar:offer-category/5-stars"],"image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/images-for-attractions/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=360 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=480 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=800 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1280 1280w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1705 1705w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1705 1705w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--e5221a5f-46d9-4cf8-b2d9-3dd9ace8dca9/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180","images":["/content/dam/visitqatar/img/images-for-attractions/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","interests":["visitqatar:offer-category/special-discount"],"offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/hotel-partners-unpublish/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","name":"hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","title":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","uuid":"f1c0a97d-a113-411d-a6ce-36a7aa831f04","description":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","lastModified":1667235388363},"associatedContent":[],"partnerType":"agent","id":"111112","companyName":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","contactName":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","country":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"city":"Doha","phone":"+974 4423 6666","email":"loremipsum","logo":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/hotels/salwa-left.svg","image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/hotels/salwa-left.svg","positionx":"50","positiony":"50","imageSrcset":"","imagePlaceholder":"","logoSrcset":"","logoPlaceholder":"","linkToDirections":"","tagKeys":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"type":"PARTNER","locale":"en","title":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","uuid":"f1c0a97d-a113-411d-a6ce-36a7aa831f04","name":"hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/hotel-partners-unpublish/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale"},"premiumOffer":false,"showPartnerLogo":true,"startingPrice":550.0,"currencyCode":"QAR","offerBookingLink":"https://salwabeachresort.qa/en/promotions/","promotionRanking":"1","prices":{"QAR":550,"KZT":72159,"SAR":567,"IRR":6361147,"ZAR":2704,"INR":12690,"CNY":1076,"AUD":226,"KRW":202176,"JPY":21501,"PLN":588,"GBP":116,"HUF":54361,"KWD":46,"TRY":5136,"RUB":13835,"AED":555,"HKD":1178,"EUR":137,"DKK":1024,"USD":151,"NOK":1640,"MOP":1213,"RON":682,"OMR":58,"CZK":3440,"PKR":42119,"SEK":1569,"BRL":856,"UAH":6235},"tagKeys":["visitqatar:offer-category/5-stars","visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/hotels","visitqatar:offer-category/special-discount"],"formattedOfferValidTo":"2024-12-31","formattedPromoCodePeriodFrom":"","formattedPromoCodePeriodTo":"","location":{"linkToDirections":""},"type":"OFFER","locale":"en","title":"Hilton Salwa - Spa experience with afternoon tea!","uuid":"bd929959-2be3-4937-8d8f-8fd1e5a78b6d","name":"hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/offers/travel-package/hilton-salwa-spa-experience-with-afternoon-tea"}">

Enjoy a full day tour at Inland Sea

From Get ready for an adventure like never before along the majestic Qatari coastline.</p>\n","summary":"<p>Get ready for an adventure like never before along the majestic Qatari coastline.</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport","visitqatar:offer-category/food-&-drink","visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/art-&-culture"],"image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/images-for-attractions/1Z6-itinerary.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=360 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=480 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=800 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1280 1280w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1800 1800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1800 1800w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--a158026c-6263-44a5-bf2b-632f77e867b0/1z6-itinerary.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180","images":["/content/dam/visitqatar/img/images-for-attractions/1Z6-itinerary.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/local/gulf-adventures","name":"gulf-adventures","title":"Gulf Adventures","uuid":"f156515e-4a15-431b-ae95-321aa37ee086","description":"Gulf Adventures continues to be the leader in destination management services since founded in 2000. Trusted by reputed Tour Operators we represent and operate destination services for their customers arriving in Qatar. Our award winning services are consistently quality assured by the dedicated team of destination experts.","lastModified":1724758086591},"associatedContent":[],"partnerType":"operator","id":"0007","companyName":"Gulf Adventures","contactName":"Gulf Adventures","country":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"city":"Doha","phone":"+974 31336161","email":"[email protected]","website":"https://www.gulf-adventures.com/","logo":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/tour-operator/dmc/new/circle-logos/circle-logo-Regency-Holidays.png","image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/tour-operator/dmc/new/circle-logos/circle-logo-Regency-Holidays.png","positionx":"50","positiony":"50","street":"95 Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, Al Sadd","postalCode":" ","latitude":"25.2884202","longitude":"51.5014029","spokenLanguages":["DE","ES"],"description":"<p>Make the most of Qatar's adventures, activities and destination services with Gulf Adventures.</p>\n","imageSrcset":"","imagePlaceholder":"","logoSrcset":"","logoPlaceholder":"","linkToDirections":"https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=25.2884202,51.5014029","tagKeys":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"type":"PARTNER","locale":"en","title":"Gulf Adventures","uuid":"f156515e-4a15-431b-ae95-321aa37ee086","name":"gulf-adventures","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/local/gulf-adventures"},"premiumOffer":false,"showPartnerLogo":true,"startingPrice":630.0,"currencyCode":"QAR","offerBookingLink":"https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/travel-deals-offers/experiences/full-day-tour-at-inland-sea","promotionRanking":"6","prices":{"QAR":630,"KZT":82655,"SAR":649,"IRR":7286405,"ZAR":3097,"INR":14535,"CNY":1232,"AUD":259,"KRW":231583,"JPY":24628,"PLN":674,"GBP":133,"HUF":62268,"KWD":53,"TRY":5884,"RUB":15847,"AED":636,"HKD":1350,"EUR":157,"DKK":1173,"USD":173,"NOK":1879,"MOP":1390,"RON":782,"OMR":67,"CZK":3941,"PKR":48245,"SEK":1797,"BRL":981,"UAH":7142},"tagKeys":["visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport","visitqatar:offer-category/food-&-drink","visitqatar:offer-category/art-&-culture"],"formattedOfferValidTo":"2025-05-21","formattedPromoCodePeriodFrom":"","formattedPromoCodePeriodTo":"","location":{"linkToDirections":""},"type":"OFFER","locale":"en","title":"Enjoy a full day tour at Inland Sea","uuid":"e70e6f6e-6c81-47f8-b8af-ea2a24baec80","name":"enjoy-a-full-day-tour-at-inland-sea","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/offers/experience-offer/enjoy-a-full-day-tour-at-inland-sea"}">

Stay 7, pay 5 at Zulal Wellness Resort

Hilton Salwa - Pool & beach access

From Qatar's latest leisure destination provides an unforgettable and relaxing adventure.</p>\n","summary":"<p>Pool and Beach access is fully redeemable on Food and Beverage at North Bay and is open from 8am to sunset</p>\n<p>Qatar's latest leisure destination provides an unforgettable and relaxing adventure like nowhere else as you take a break from all the stress and noise of city life.</p>\n<p>You can relax in a private cabana at the pool, or let the kids enjoy the splash pad while you unwind. You don't have to worry because lifeguards are on duty from 8 am to sunset and towels are provided.</p>\n<p>The private beach sprawls 3.5 km and is an unspoiled paradise of crystal-clear waters. Imagine lounging on the beach, soaking in the early morning sun, and listening to the calming waves.</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/relax-&-rejuvenate","visitqatar:offer-category/food-&-drink"],"image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/campaigns/feel-more/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=360 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=480 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=800 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1280 1280w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=1920 1920w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=2560 2560w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--022e8ccf-9302-422f-8f11-4cfe919bfb1a/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg?quality=75&preferwebp=true&width=180","images":["/content/dam/visitqatar/campaigns/feel-more/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-3010.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/hotel-partners-unpublish/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","name":"hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","title":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","uuid":"f1c0a97d-a113-411d-a6ce-36a7aa831f04","description":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","lastModified":1667235388363},"associatedContent":[],"partnerType":"agent","id":"111112","companyName":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","contactName":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","country":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"city":"Doha","phone":"+974 4423 6666","email":"loremipsum","logo":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/hotels/salwa-left.svg","image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/hotels/salwa-left.svg","positionx":"50","positiony":"50","imageSrcset":"","imagePlaceholder":"","logoSrcset":"","logoPlaceholder":"","linkToDirections":"","tagKeys":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"type":"PARTNER","locale":"en","title":"Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Summer Sale","uuid":"f1c0a97d-a113-411d-a6ce-36a7aa831f04","name":"hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/hotel-partners-unpublish/hilton-salwa-beach-resort-summer-sale"},"premiumOffer":false,"showPartnerLogo":true,"startingPrice":150.0,"currencyCode":"QAR","offerBookingLink":"https://events.q-tickets.com/eventDetail/3879442326/RESORT-POOL-&-BEACH-ACCESS","promotionRanking":"5","prices":{"QAR":150,"KZT":19680,"SAR":155,"IRR":1734858,"ZAR":737,"INR":3461,"CNY":293,"AUD":62,"KRW":55139,"JPY":5864,"PLN":160,"GBP":32,"HUF":14826,"KWD":13,"TRY":1401,"RUB":3773,"AED":151,"HKD":321,"EUR":37,"DKK":279,"USD":41,"NOK":447,"MOP":331,"RON":186,"OMR":16,"CZK":938,"PKR":11487,"SEK":428,"BRL":234,"UAH":1700},"tagKeys":["visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/food-&-drink","visitqatar:offer-category/relax-&-rejuvenate"],"formattedOfferValidTo":"2024-12-31","formattedPromoCodePeriodFrom":"","formattedPromoCodePeriodTo":"","location":{"linkToDirections":""},"type":"OFFER","locale":"en","title":"Hilton Salwa - Pool & beach access","uuid":"bd6d9790-9698-41f3-aa3a-2c284bd2ab75","name":"hilton-salwa-pool-and-beach-access","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/offers/travel-package/hilton-salwa-pool-and-beach-access"}">

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Tourism Breaking News

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Qatar Tourism unveils luxury offerings for vision 2030

December 13, 2021

Over 100 new hotels and serviced apartments are currently under construction which will add to Qatar’s already extensive portfolio of properties. Some of the new properties include a Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Resort at Katara Towers, Rosewood Doha and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. The hotels will broaden Qatar’s appeal to high value travellers, offering more choice to its existing 80 five and four star hotels. With the aim of raising the tourism sector to 12% GBP by 2030, Qatar will grow and improve assets and attractions, enhance the end-to-end customer experience, invest in Service Excellence and deploy a tailored marketing strategy to target point-to-point (P2P) and stopover visitors.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “We are continuing to expand our tourism offering and are excited to introduce guests to the best of Qatari hospitality. In 2019, we saw over two million visitors to Qatar and we hope to see similar growth trends now that we are welcoming visitors back to the country again. “We are now less than one year until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, so now is the perfect time in visit Qatar. Qatar is an accessible introduction to the Middle East, blending cosmopolitan modernity and beautiful landscapes with Arabic traditions, cuisines, and cultures. We have a rich cultural heritage, luxury five star hotels and resorts, incredible outdoor activities, beaches and museums and cultural landmarks that are waiting to be discovered.”

Qatar will also welcome major tourism projects including Place Vendome, a shopping mall boasting 580 retail outlets, two five-star hotels and entertainment zones, West Bay North Beach project with six beaches, restaurants and outdoor activities and Qetaifan Island North, set to be the first entertainment island in Qatar with five star hotels and resorts, beach clubs and water parks.

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Qatar’s tourism revenue expected to reach $1.17 billion in 2024

The hotels sector continues to be the largest segment, expected to generate $526.2 million in 2024..

Qatar’s tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a focus on luxury experiences and cultural attractions.

According to Statista , Qatar’s travel and tourism market is projected to generate $1.17 billion in revenue in 2024, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.95% expected to increase to $1.35 billion by 2029. Online sales are anticipated to play a significant role in this growth.

The hotel sector remains the largest component and is anticipated to generate $526.2 million in 2024. By 2029, the number of users in this sector is expected to reach 1.59 million, with user penetration rising from 72.4% in 2024 to 85.7%.

Statista also forecasts that by 2029, 86% of total revenue in Qatar’s travel market will come from online sales.

Qatar’s appeal lies in its luxury offerings, eco-friendly accommodations, and cultural tours. Sustainable tourism is gaining traction, with eco-conscious hotels and operators meeting a growing demand. Additionally, medical tourism is rising as visitors seek Qatar’s top-tier healthcare services.

Qatar’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and government investments in museums, cultural sites, and entertainment venues have established the country as a prime destination for leisure and business travelers.

Major events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and tourism-friendly policies have further fueled the sector’s growth.

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Saudi Arabia surpasses Vision 2030 tourism targets

Kingdom attracts over 100 million visitors in 2023, tourism revenue hits $36 billion

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has surpassed its ambitious Vision 2030 goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually achieving this target in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule, according to a recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF’s 2024 Article IV Consultation report sheds light on the significant strides made by Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, which has emerged as a central pillar of the country’s strategy to reduce its reliance on oil.

Last year alone, tourism-generated revenues hit $36 billion, with the sector’s direct and indirect contributions to the national GDP now standing at 11.5 percent, a figure expected to climb to 16 percent by 2034.

Driven by an uptick in non-religious tourism—fuelled by international events like Formula One, the Asian Cup slated for 2027, and the World Expo in 2030 — the Kingdom has seen a robust increase in both domestic and international visitors. This surge has shifted Saudi Arabia’s service balance into surplus, meaning the country now earns more from foreign tourists than it spends on residents travelling abroad.

This transformation, as noted by the IMF, is underpinned by significant infrastructural developments and luxury projects such as Red Sea Global and Diriyah Gate. These initiatives aim not only to enhance the Kingdom’s appeal as a global tourism destination but also to preserve its cultural heritage and bolster infrastructure.

The report also observes a decrease in outbound tourism spending by Saudi nationals, whereas expatriates have markedly increased their leisure spending within the Kingdom post-COVID.

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Qatar National Tourism Council strengthens its tourism offering as it celebrates World Tourism Day

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To recognise the 40 th anniversary of World Tourism Day, the Qatar National Tourism Council reaffirms the importance of tourism to the country and celebrates the efforts it has made in the years since the Qatar National Vision 2030 was unveiled. While the country continues to make preparations for the reopening of its borders to international visitors, it has maintained a strong focus on bolstering its visitor experience to ensure Qatar is ready to welcome guests to enjoy the country’s enhanced and new attractions.

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council and CEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “We are now 12 years into the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and we are very proud of the progress we have made so far to modernise Qatar and make it a prime tourist destination. This World Tourism Day, we are pleased to report that we are well on track to drive positive, sustainable growth for Qatar in line with our 2030 goal and will make every effort necessary to do so.”

At the close of 2019, Qatar had over 27,000 room keys on offer for visitors to book across its 130 hotel and hotel apartment properties in operation. Since the start of the year, an additional five new properties have opened their doors, including Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Double Tree by Hilton Doha Al Saad and Dusit D2.  Currently, there are approximately 112 properties under development, which represents around 22,300 room keys and will almost double the number of rooms available in the country.

Amongst the up and coming new hotel offerings is The Plaza Doha Anantara Hotel & Suites, a palatial hotel complex due to open later this year. With over 220 luxurious rooms and fully serviced suites, a rooftop infinity pool and an exclusive Anantara Spa, guests will have all the luxury and wellness facilities they need for a relaxing, fully pampered “recharge” within the heart of the bustling city of Doha.

Also set to open at the end of 2020 is the exclusive 5-star Pullman Doha West Bay, located amongst the city’s high rises in the buzzing West Bay area. Designed with 375 distinctive guest rooms and suites and an additional 93 in-style serviced apartments, the hotel will be home to no less than nine world class restaurants, each offering guests and visitors a culinary journey from around the world. In true Doha style, guests can unwind at Pullman Fit & Spa, which is fully equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Moroccan hammam and beauty lounge.

While extensive developments across the country continue, the Qatar National Tourism Council is working diligently to ensure international visitors will enjoy the very best in Arabic hospitality during their stay.

To support the country’s drive to enhance its tourism offering, Qatar has invested in a comprehensive training program for tour guides and taxi drivers.  The aim is for each visitor to receive a seamless and personal experience, from the moment they touch down at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar National Tourism Council has worked tirelessly in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and the hospitality and tourism industry to ensure a safe and clean environment for visitors and guests. This May, the country rolled out the Qatar Clean program, a multi-phased, comprehensive initiative that ensures compliance with strict standards for hygiene and cleanliness at all hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in the country.

For more information on Qatar National Tourism Council, visit www.visitqatar.qa

For media-related inquiries, please contact QNTC’s Press Office on:

+974 4499 7882 or +974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC)

Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase visitor spending.

Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 14 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with the government designating tourism in 2017 a priority sector in pursuit of a more diverse economy and more active private sector. 

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @NTC_Qatar

LinkedIn: Qatar National Tourism Council

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