Qatar’s tourism sector is poised for stronger growth during the second half of 2026, supported by rising domestic travel and an extensive calendar of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events aimed at attracting both local and international visitors.
The positive outlook follows the launch of Visit Qatar’s annual “Hello Summer” campaign and comes after the country welcomed 1.13 million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, according to Qatar Tourism. Visitor arrivals totalled 646,000 in January, 423,000 in February, and 63,000 in March.
Industry experts expect inbound tourism to accelerate over the remainder of the year as summer activities encourage more visitors to choose Qatar as a holiday destination.
While many residents continue to travel abroad during the holiday season, a growing number are opting for local vacations, visiting beaches, resorts, nature reserves, and historic landmarks. Tourism specialists attribute this trend to higher international airfares, rising hotel costs overseas, and regional geopolitical uncertainties, all of which have boosted the appeal of domestic tourism.
Tourism expert Ahmed Hussein said easing regional tensions, together with Qatar Tourism’s continued efforts to diversify the country’s tourism offerings, should support a strong recovery in visitor activity during the second half of 2026.
He noted that domestic holidays can cost more than 50% less than overseas travel while offering a wide range of family-oriented events and attractions.
“Hello Summer” Campaign
Running from May through September, Visit Qatar’s “Hello Summer” campaign features a broad programme of leisure and entertainment activities, including:
Qatar Toy Festival
Major music concerts
Entertainment programmes across leading shopping malls
Luxury hotel and resort experiences
Theme parks
Water attractions
Hussein also expects Qatar’s beaches to attract higher visitor numbers during the summer months. The country offers more than 10 public and private beaches, ranging from natural coastal locations to integrated beachfront resorts.
Doha Strengthens Regional Tourism Position
Tourism expert Ayman Al Qudwa said Doha has further consolidated its position as one of the Gulf’s leading tourism destinations, attracting citizens, residents, and international visitors, particularly from GCC countries.
He attributed the country’s growing appeal to its modern infrastructure, diverse tourism offerings, and easy accessibility.
Al Qudwa added that domestic tourism has been one of the main beneficiaries this year as many families choose local holidays that combine lower costs with a wide variety of attractions.
He highlighted Hamad International Airport, which connects Doha to more than 190 destinations through over 35 international airlines, while Qatar Airways serves more than 160 destinations with over 140 daily flights, supporting continued growth in inbound tourism.
Expanding Tourism Infrastructure
Qatar Tourism has continued expanding attractions beyond Doha, offering visitors a wider range of experiences focused on nature, heritage, leisure, and recreation.
Key attractions include:
Nature reserves
Historic forts
Luxury hotels and international resorts
Public parks
Recreational facilities
Restaurants
Traditional souqs
Major shopping malls
The country also continues to rank among the world’s safest tourism destinations, further strengthening its appeal to international travellers.
Hospitality Sector
According to the National Planning Council, Qatar’s hospitality sector in 2023 comprised:
189 hotels and hotel apartments
46,806 rooms
68,495 beds
6.67 million guests
15.68 million room nights
The council also reported that Qatar had:
167 cinema screens
Seating capacity for 38,210 people
More than 5,497 films screened during the year, including 4,926 international and 571 Arabic productions
Approximately 1.09 million visitors to museums and exhibitions.
Source: Arabian Business
