Qatar receives 1.4 million visitors in H1

Saudi Arabia remains Qatar’s largest source market, as 665,355 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals travelled to the country in the first six months of 2016

Saudi Arabia is responsible for the largest part of growth recorded in Qatar, in the number of GCC visitor arrivals, bringing 39,650 additional Saudi visitors, according to Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Tourism Performance Summary for the First Half (H1) of 2016.

Additional growth was also evident from the UAE, recording a 13% rise, while arrivals from Bahrain increased by 1%.

However, the overall number of visitors is 6% lower than recorded in the first half of 2015.

“Visitor arrival figures should see a further increase in Q4 as the 2016/17 cruise season begins in October. Thirty-two ships have already registered to dock in Doha’s ports, and are expected to carry over 50,000 visitors on board, a ten-fold increase from last year. This growth will continue as QTA and its partners set in motion plans to redevelop Doha Port, creating an attractive stop for cruise ships in the Gulf,” said Qatar chief tourism development officer Hassan Al-Ibrahim speaking to local media.

Al Ibrahim added: “The overall declines in visitor arrivals and occupancy are consistent with trends seen across the region. As economic conditions improve and the number of travellers rises again, we are determined to be ready with tourism products that can retain leisure visitors, and increase the average length of stay of business visitors. We are actively engaged on many fronts in line with the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 to develop a sustainable tourism sector, including efforts to encourage investment in tourism, boosting cruise tourism and expanding international promotional activity.”