Qatar welcomes 4 mn visitors in 2023
Qatar has recorded four million visitors in 2023, surpassing the annual number of visitors of the past five years. The numbers reflect the positive momentum of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the country’s ongoing efforts to advance the tourism sector. His Excellency Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President, Qatar Tourism, shares more on the issue.
Therecord turnout of visitors in Qatar finds reason in the continuity of the Hayya platform and ease of visa procedures for visitors coming to Qatar. These efforts have been complemented by easy travel policies that allow citizens of 95 countries around the world to obtain an instant visa upon arrival in Qatar. Events and roadshows organised by the Qatar Tourism throughout the year have also contributed significantly to the steady increase in visitor numbers.
His Excellency Saad bin Ali Al Kharji,
President, Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar continues to establish itself as a global tourism destination with extended and safe tourism infrastructure in an atmosphere of authentic Arabian hospitality. Qatar’s diverse tourism offerings, with its pristine 500 kilometres of coastline, worldclass museums, and cultural and contemporary facilities, complement Qatar’s diverse tourism offerings to provide a unique and distinctive holiday for visitors to Qatar locally, regionally and specifically GCC nationals, as well as internationally. Qatar Tourism is keen to promote family tourism in the State of Qatar and provide something suitable for all family members for an exceptional experience. We continue to work at Qatar Tourism to promote opportunities and further growth in the tourism sector.”
Since the beginning of 2023, Saudi Arabia tops the number of visitors coming to Qatar, with 25.3 per cent of the total international visitors coming from the Kingdom, followed by India (10.4 per cent), Germany (4.1 per cent), UK (3.9 per cent) and Kuwait (3.5 per cent). Visitors arriving by air accounted for 85 per cent, followed by 14 per cent by land ports and 1 per cent by sea.
During the opening of the first international edition of the Geneva International Motor Show last October, Qatar Tourism recorded the attendance of 1,000 journalists and 180,000 visitors over the course of 10 days.
The 2023-24 cruise season, Qatar’s largest cruise season, was also launched in conjunction
Qatar Tourism is keen to promote family tourism in Qatar and provide something suitable for family members for an exceptional experience
with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship, Crystal Symphony, where 81 cruises are expected to be received and attract about 350,000 visitors, achieving a significant increase compared to the previous season, which saw 54 cruises and 253,191 visitors. As part of its ambitious plans for 2024, Qatar is preparing to host more than 80 events ranging from sports tournaments, cultural activities and international exhibitions, in addition to organising a series of shopping festivals and hosting many international summits. Hosting the AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Shopping Festival, Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, Qatar Annual Economic Forum and Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix are the highlights of 2024, as well as the Electric and Self-Driving Mobility Forum and hosting the World Summit.