Qatar Tourism announced performance results for the first three quarters of 2025, confirming sustained growth in arrivals and accommodation demand as the country prepares for a full schedule of events in the final quarter and early 2026.
International visitors
reached over 3.5 million by the end of September, recording a 2.2 per cent increase
compared with the same period in 2024. The GCC remained the largest contributor
at 36 per cent of total visitors, followed by Europe with 25 per
cent and Asia and Oceania with 22 per cent. Of all
arrivals, 60 per cent entered by air, 33 per cent by land and 7 per cent by sea, reflecting consistent movement across
all entry points. Q3 has also witnessed exponential increase in visitor numbers
from China that saw 37 per cent and Australia that saw 31 per cent growth.
Hotel and hotel
apartment capacity reached 41,733 room keys. Average occupancy across all
accommodation categories YTD Q3 stood at 68 per cent, an increase of 2.4 per
centage points from last year.
Total room nights sold rose to 7.7 million, showing an 8 per cent year-on-year
demand growth.
As Qatar enters the
final quarter of the year, Visit Qatar is preparing to activate a full
programme of events confirmed under the Qatar Calendar 2025–2026. The fourth
quarter marks the start of a series of international sports tournaments,
cultural programmes and entertainment events expected to attract residents,
regional travellers and international visitors.
Visit Qatar, in
cooperation with national entities and event organisers, will host the Doha
International Military Music Festival (Doha Tattoo), welcoming international
military bands and ceremonial ensembles. Preparations are ongoing for the T100
Triathlon World Championship Final, taking place in Lusail City as part of the
global T100 series. Lusail International Circuit will host the Formula 1 Qatar
Grand Prix, supported by transport, hospitality and fan management coordinated
with Visit Qatar and relevant partners. The inaugural Doha Film Festival
organised by the Doha Film Institute will also take place this season.
In coordination with
the Local Organising Committee for Football Events, Visit Qatar is supporting
operational planning for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Qatar 2025 and the FIFA
Intercontinental Cup 2025. These tournaments will be held across stadiums in
Doha, Lusail and Al Rayyan, with operational readiness including stadium
services, fan arrivals, accommodation, ticketing and international media
logistics.
With consistent
performance across the first three quarters of the year and a unified national
events calendar, the tourism sector remains aligned with the Third National
Development Strategy (2024–2030) by contributing to economic diversification
and expanding access to cultural, sporting and leisure activities for residents
and visitors.
The winter season
extends into 2026 with a line-up of cultural and lifestyle experiences across
Qatar. On the cultural front, key highlights include the second editions of
“Sealine Season” in Sealine and “Brouq Season” in Ras Abrouq, preparations for
Art Basel Qatar at the National Museum of Qatar. Food and cultural programming
under Visit Qatar will include the Qatar International Food Festival and the
Throwback Food Festival. These are complemented by ongoing events at Katara
Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda, where regular heritage, cultural and
family activities continue to take place.-TradeArabia News Service