Tourism US and European visitors behind Qatar tourism surge By Neil Halligan October 15, 2024, 4:29 PM Alamy/Ian Dagnall via Reuters Tourists in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar. The country welcomed 328,000 visitors in August August figure up by 25% 56% increase in visitors from US Streamlined visa process Qatar has reported a 25 percent year-on-year rise in visitors during August, a figure largely attributed to a significant increase in travellers from the US, Europe and Africa. The country welcomed 328,000 visitors, with 41 percent of those coming from GCC countries, an 18 percent increase on 2023, according to data from the National Planning Council’s monthly statistics bulletin. The largest increase in visitors was from the US, representing a 57 percent increase year on year. The bulletin said 70,600 visitors came from Europe, up 45 percent from 2023, while there was a 39 percent increase from African countries. Visitor arrivals measure non-residents travelling to Qatar on a short-term basis for all purposes, which includes arrivals at borders under 15 different visa classes, excluding work visas. Air travel accounted for 64 percent of visitors, while 35 percent entered via land borders. Hotel and hotel apartment occupancy reached 60 percent in August, up 7 percent from the previous year. Revenue per available room (Revpar) for the month was QAR228 ($62), a slight increase on QAR220 12 months previously. Real estate research company Valustrat said in its second quarter report that total hospitality stock estimated by Qatar Tourism was almost 40,000 keys. It estimates the number will grow to 42,200 by 2025. Qatar last year relaunched the Hayya digital platform it used to welcome 1.4 million football fans during the 2022 Fifa World Cup with a broader tourism remit, as it seeks to attract over 6 million visitors a year by 2030. The revamped platform streamlined visa processes for all tourist and business visas to the Gulf state, with 102 countries granted visas on arrival. Qatar to write off SME loans in bid to boost non-oil growth Qatar scores Champions League deal in battle for Gulf skies Sales surge but rents fall in Qatar property market In September Qatar became the first Gulf state to join the US visa waiver programme, allowing Qatari citizens to visit visa-free for up to 90 days from December 1. US citizens already enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar, but from October 1 they will be able to stay in the Gulf state for up to 90 days instead of the previous 30-day limit. Qatar’s non-oil GDP is likely to expand by 2 percent this year, up from 1 percent in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund. Hydrocarbons remain the Gulf state’s most important source of revenue, with Qatar aiming to nearly double liquefied natural gas production by 2030. Yet aside from tourism other industries are struggling to expand significantly. Qatar is seeking to build up its tourism infrastructure and capitalise on the increasing number of international visitors by launching a $5.5 billion entertainment-focused development. The Simaisma Project, by the Diar Real Estate Investment Company, will cover eight square km along seven km of waterfront on the nation’s east coast. Announced in July, it will include luxury resorts, an expansive theme park in the style of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, an 18-hole golf course, high-end residences, a yacht club and marina, and restaurants and shops.