The travel and tourism sector in Qatar is set to reach new heights in the coming years, according to the latest forecast by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) predicts that the sector will contribute a staggering QR90.8bn to the country’s economy, representing 11.3% of the total, and will create over 334,500 jobs, accounting for 15.8% of the total workforce.
In 2023, the sector saw a significant growth in its Gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, reaching a record-breaking QR81.2bn, which is 10.3% of Qatar’s total economic output. This growth highlights the sector’s importance to the national economy and its role as a major source of employment, with over 20,300 new jobs created last year, bringing the total to nearly 286,000 nationwide.
The report also projects a substantial increase in spending by international travellers, with a forecasted record spend of QR69.6bn this year, along with domestic spending expected to reach QR12bn.
WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson, praised Qatar’s Travel and Tourism sector, stating that it is on track to break all records this year and solidify its position as a leading destination in the Middle East. The government’s collaborative efforts are expected to drive further growth in the sector, paving the way for a prosperous future filled with opportunities.
With Qatar aiming to welcome six million tourists by 2030 and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from 7% to 12%, the country’s tourism sector is well on its way to achieving these goals. The introduction of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Grand Tours visa is also expected to attract more travellers to Qatar, further boosting the sector’s growth and strengthening ties among GCC countries.