Tourism in Qatar continues its growth

29 Jul 2013

(MENAFN) Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) stated that tourism in Qatar experienced a considerable growth in Q2 of this year compared to the same period a year ago.

The average of rooms hotel rooms occupied climbed to 67 percent up from 58. Five-star hotels had 20 percent growth in revenues; revenues for both four-star and five-star hotels went up by USD42.8 million, reported Saudi Gazette.

“We are seeing strong growth in all aspects of Qatar’s tourism sector. Qatar Tourism Authority is proud of these developments and the strides being made towards a record year of tourism in Qatar. As tourism becomes increasingly important to diversifying the national economy we look positively on these developments,” said Issa Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, QTA chairman.

Tourists visiting Qatar grew worldwide, but visitors from the GCC were the highest increase. GCC visitors increased by 15 percent with Saudi Arabia holding the highest number of tourists. Visitors from Asia also increased considerably coming up to 12 percent.

Growth in the Qatari tourism sector is still expected to grow further. “Looking to the third and fourth quarters of the year, the offerings and programs underway should continue to drive interest and visits to Qatar, including the Eid Festival coming next month, and the return of Cirque du Soleil in September to Aspire Dome. Our events, promotional campaigns and unique and developing offer is having the desired effect of increasing interest within the region and internationally in Qatar as a destination,” Al-Mohannadi added.