QATAR Tourism Authority (QTA) released full year figures on April 1, proving that the tourism industry in Qatar has continued its upward trajectory in 2013, benefitting from new investment and promotions.
Key indicators of the tourism sector demonstrated improvement and growth from 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. During 2013, Qatar welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors from around the world, compared to 1.2 million in the corresponding period last year. Regional visitors increased by 14.4 per cent, with the greatest volumes from Saudi Arabia followed by the UAE, with Kuwait continuing its high growth rate at over 35 per cent compared to the last quarter of 2012. International arrivals increased by 9 per cent, with an increase in business arrivals from Asia at 14 per cent. The largest source of tourists remains the Gulf region with 1,090,239 visitors, followed by Asia (152,476 visitors), Europe (35,861 visitors), non-GCC Arab countries (34,093 visitors), and Africa (4,045 visitors), arriving on either business or tourist visas. Commenting on the results, Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of QTA, said: “There is, of course, much to accomplish toward our goal of seven million 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. QTA is committed through the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 to continue the development of Qatar’s tourism sector, while allowing the country and Qataris to reap the benefit of a rich and diversified tourism sector.”Average hotel occupancy rate rose from 60 per cent to 65 per cent, despite additional rooms added to the market. This corresponds to an overall increase of QR411.13 million ($113 million) in revenues (+13 per cent) in four- and five-star hotels. These performance improvements bring four- and five-star hotel annual earnings to QR 3.58 billion (about $1 billion). Four- and five-star hotels make up 11,717 of Qatar’s 13,551 rooms. A recovering global economy and an influx of companies supporting Qatar’s infrastructure development drove the tourism sector forward in 2013. A diverse range of events and activities in Qatar and increased regional and international promotion during 2013 also pushed growth in the leisure sector. Activities in this sector include the seasonal festivals, international performances and family entertainment, international and regional exhibitions and conferences, as well as world-class sporting events held in Qatar.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. Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre is under construction and Hamad International Airport is set for a 2014 opening.