The full-year figures showed that the country’s tourism industry continued its upward trajectory in 2013, benefiting from new investment and promotion. Key indicators of the tourism sector demonstrated improvement and growth over the previous year.

Based on the performance in 2013, the sector is on track to reach growth targets set out in the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy, both in terms of contribution to the economy and in overall visits, according to a statement issued by the QTA.

The past year’s data incorporate a wider set of statistics, adding to the quality of the information that is aiding in the planning, development and promotion of this sector of Qatar’s economy.

Regional visitors increased by 14.4%, with the greatest volumes from Saudi Arabia followed by the UAE, with Kuwait continuing its high growth rate at over 35% compared to the last quarter of 2012. International arrivals rose by 9%, with an increase in business arrivals from Asia at 14%.

The largest source of tourists remains the GCC region with 1,090,239 visitors, followed by Asia (152,476), Europe (35,861), non-GCC Arab countries (34,093) and Africa (4,045), arriving on either business or tourist visas. 

The average hotel occupancy rate rose from 60% to 65% despite additional rooms being added to the market. This corresponds to an overall increase of QR411.13mn in revenues (+13%) in four- and five-star hotels. These performance improvements bring four- and five-star hotel annual earnings to QR3.58bn. Four- and five-star hotels make up 11,717 of Qatar’s 13,551 rooms. 

Commenting on the results, QTA chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi said: “There is no doubt that Qatar has made great strides in promoting its tourism sector and in attracting a greater number of visitors to the country. Tourism remains a significant economic driver for Qatar.

“There is, of course, much to accomplish towards our goal of 7mn visitors by 2030. While the 2013 figures are impressive, we have to look beyond numbers and continue the shift towards quality, sustainable tourism. We are achieving these results through expanded public-private and public-public partnerships that are driving sector growth via new opportunities.”

A recovering global economy and an influx of companies supporting Qatar’s infrastructure development drove the tourism sector forward in 2013, according to the statement. A diverse range of events and activities in Qatar and increased regional and international promotion during 2013 also pushed growth in the leisure sector, it adds.

Activities in this sector include seasonal festivals, international performances and family entertainment, international and regional exhibitions and conferences, as well as world-class sporting events held in Qatar.

The tourism sector registered a number of key achievements in 2013 within the framework of its development and promoting Qatar as a destination of choice.

In terms of proper governance and comprehensive plans, policies and regulations, the achievements included having an inclusive exercise for strategy development and the kickoff of the implementation phase as well as designing the regulatory framework for tourism products and services in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation.

In the area of sectoral capacity-building, forging long-term relationships with academic institutions such as Qatar University and Stenden University, launching the tour guide programme in collaboration with Stenden University and launching the Josoor Institute in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy were some of the achievements.

There were a number of key achievements in terms of the diversification and development of Qatar’s tourism product and service portfolio. These included announcing the final concept master plan for the new Doha Zoo, launching the Qatar Events Diary (OnQatar.qa), hosting large-scale events and congresses, attracting more domestic and regional tourists through seasonal festivals and increasing live family entertainment, drawing 33,000 visitors to the National Day celebrations in collaboration with entities concerned, hosting a range of high-quality sporting events, and collaborating with the Qatar Museums Authority and British Council on Qatar UK.

Market exposure was also expanded through the opening of a French representative office in Paris, promoting and marketing the destination in major tourism and travel trade shows, and launching the second phase of the QTA and Paris Saint-Germain partnership.

Hassan al-Ibrahim, QTA director of Strategy Development and head of the tourism industry development committee, said: “The year 2013 was a turning point in the history of the tourism industry in Qatar. On an institutional level, QTA launched the Project Management Office to ensure timely implementation of the strategy initiatives and started the institutional transformation programme. And on an industry level, the stakeholders are engaged and the private sector is leading the change in the sector.”

The QTA has a key role to play in co-ordinating the development of a sustainable tourism sector in Qatar and growing tourism’s contribution to a diversified national economy. The scene is set for continued growth as new infrastructure readies to accelerate the growth of the sector in 2014 and beyond.

A total of 124 hotel establishments are planned, bringing an additional 21,402 rooms, suites and units when completed. The Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre is under construction and Hamad International Airport is set for a 2014 opening.  The QTA has recently launched a new phase in the tourism industry with the release of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which will serve as the road map for the sector’s development in the coming years.