Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has a five-year plan underway to boost the nation’s leisure tourism market.
Chairman Ahmed Al Nuaimi said the country’s tourism market was currently made up of 95% business travellers – a figure he planned to reduce to 70% within five years.
The plan to attract a 30% share of leisure travellers included developing new tourist attractions and revamping the country’s museum, souks, sporting facilities and shopping malls.
"We have a strong focus on conferences, conventions and exhibitions, which has given us a good reputation in the market," said Al Nuaimi.
"However, we are also encouraging education travel and sports travel, as well as regular business and leisure tourism.
"Also, if guests are here for work, they can spend the day doing business and they still have time at night for leisure activities – we are encouraging them to stay for one extra day in Doha after their business meetings."
The authority has developed a "48 hours in Qatar" campaign, which includes suggested activities such as golfing, shopping, spa treatments, beach resorts and attractions such as the Al Shahaniya race track, Museum of Islamic Art and traditional souks.
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Al Nuaimi said competition among Qatari hotels was increasing, with a projected 26,000 rooms by 2012.
However, he explained that the tourism authority’s five-year plan comes on the back of solid growth in the country.
International air arrivals grew by 405% between 2001 and 2006; and length of stay increased by 78% between 2002 and 2007.
Al Nuaimi said Qatar remained strong despite the global financial downturn: "Touch wood, we are the least hurt by this".
He also expressed confidence in the face of the current swine flu outbreak, adding that it was unlikely to damage the tourism market in Qatar.
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