Qatar’s tourism sector is poised to achieve a new milestone in 2025, with international arrivals projected to reach a record 5.3 million, according to a report by Fitch Solutions.
Building on the momentum of 2024—which saw 5.1 million arrivals, the country’s highest to date—Fitch forecasts a 3.5% year-on-year increase in 2025, marking the sector’s continued upward trajectory. The previous peak in tourist numbers was 2.94 million in 2015.
The report highlights that Qatar’s tourism is entering a “new phase of growth,” fueled by strong demand from key markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, the UK, and the US. This growth is being bolstered by coordinated efforts from both government and private sector entities to enhance the country’s global tourism appeal.
Looking ahead, Fitch expects the positive trend to continue through 2029, with arrivals projected to reach 5.7 million by the end of the forecast period, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.4%.
Supporting this growth are several major initiatives:
Visit Qatar x Microsoft: A new MoU aims to boost digital innovation in tourism through cutting-edge technologies and AI-based visitor services.
Banana Island Adventure Park: Launched by Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, the park adds a new family attraction featuring Qatar’s longest zipline and unique adventure experiences set against the Doha skyline.
Qatar-Moscow Tourism Ties: A strategic roadshow led by Moscow City Tourism Committee is enhancing cooperation between Qatar and Russia, supported by 14 weekly direct flights between the two capitals.
Qatar Kite Festival 2025: Held in January across iconic locations like Sealine Beach and Old Doha Port, the festival brought together 60 kite-flyers from 20 countries, targeting visitors from France, Belgium, and China.
With consistent investment in tourism infrastructure and experiential offerings, Qatar is solidifying its status as a leading global destination for both leisure and adventure travel.
Source: The Peninsula