Qatar’s tourism industry recorded a strong and balanced performance throughout 2025, driven by continued growth across leisure, business, and regional travel segments, according to industry experts.

A recent report by Oxford Business Group noted that the government has maintained its focus on tourism as a cornerstone of economic diversification, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. These frameworks aim to draw between 6 and 7 million annual visitors and achieve a tourism contribution of 10–12 percent to the nation’s GDP by the end of the decade.

Officials and market analysts observed that steady demand persisted across the year, reflecting robust regional connectivity, an active calendar of international events, and the sustained recovery of global travel. The sector’s performance points to a more diversified demand base, with leisure, corporate, and event-driven travel collectively ensuring stability against broader economic headwinds.

Data also highlighted that greater accessibility, an expanding range of attractions, and a year-round slate of cultural and sporting events helped reduce seasonal fluctuations and support consistent visitor flows.

“Across our channels, we registered steady growth in bookings compared to last year, with consistent demand throughout all seasons,” said Ahmed Atta, Sales Manager at a local travel agency, speaking to The Peninsula. “This reflects a shift toward a more mature and resilient tourism market, where travel activity is spread across different segments and periods.”

Atta added that peak inbound travel took place in the early months of the year and during the winter season, particularly between January and March. “These months benefited from strong regional traffic, major sporting events, and the active cruise season,” he explained.

Visitors from GCC countries remained a cornerstone of inbound tourism, especially for short leisure breaks, family visits, and event travel. High-profile sporting tournaments, including the recently concluded FIFA Arab Cup, significantly boosted hotel occupancy, flight bookings, and ground services. Meanwhile, large-scale exhibitions, cultural festivals, and business conferences fueled demand within the corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments.

The strong winter cruise season further supported inbound arrivals, driving demand for local tours, transfer services, and hospitality experiences. “These patterns were clearly reflected in our inbound sales, particularly in hospitality, airport services, and tailored city excursions,” Atta said.

While GCC markets continued to dominate inbound figures, Atta noted increasing diversification in source markets. “Western Europe maintained steady performance, while interest from Asia and Oceania showed notable growth,” he observed.

One of the year’s most significant developments was the rising influx from long-haul markets such as China and Australia, which recorded marked increases compared to previous years. Industry assessments have also underlined the Asia-Pacific region as a vital driver of Qatar’s future tourism growth, bolstered by enhanced air connectivity and focused destination marketing initiatives.

“Although regional markets still represent the bulk of arrivals, the expansion of emerging long-haul markets is strategically important,” Atta added. “It opens doors to more personalized travel offerings and deeper partnerships between airlines, hotels, and destination stakeholders.”

With steady demand, greater market diversity, and sustained momentum from events and cruise activities, industry experts agree that Qatar’s tourism sector is advancing toward a more robust and sustainable growth trajectory.

King Abdulaziz International Airport has received two international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI) World, strengthening its recognition for passenger experience, public health and operational readiness.

The airport was awarded the Level 4 Airport Customer Experience (CX) Accreditation and Public Health and Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation during an event in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The Level 4 CX Accreditation places King Abdulaziz International Airport among the top 12 airports worldwide to achieve the distinction under ACI World’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) CEO Mazen Johar received the accreditation on behalf of the airport.

The assessment covered eight areas, including customer understanding, strategy, measurement, operational improvement, governance, airport culture, service design and innovation, and collaboration across the airport community.

The PHSR Accreditation recognizes the airport’s preparedness in public health and safety and its compliance with internationally recognized standards.

JEDCO said the two accreditations reflect its continued efforts to improve passenger services, strengthen customer experience and adopt global best practices. The initiatives also aim to enhance coordination among the different organizations operating at the airport, supporting a smoother and more innovative passenger journey.

Source: SPA

Travellers from seven countries outside Saudi Arabia’s standard tourist e-visa system can now arrange travel packages and apply for entry permits through Webook.com, the digital ticketing and booking platform announced.

The new service is available to citizens of India, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico. Licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Webook.com combines return flights, hotel accommodation, health insurance and a Saudi package visa into a single online booking.

The service operates under a pilot programme launched by the ministry in July in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Webook.com submits applications directly to government authorities for verification, with electronic visas typically issued within 24 hours and sent by email and through the platform’s mobile application.

Previously, travellers from the seven countries generally had to apply through a Saudi embassy or third-party agencies. The new system allows applicants to select their travel arrangements online, provide the required information and wait for electronic approval.

Eligible packages must include a confirmed return flight and accommodation at a four-star or higher hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The booking must have a minimum value of SR4,000 ($1,067), in addition to a combined visa and health insurance charge of SR402.21 ($107).

The package visa permits stays ranging from two to 90 days. A single application can cover up to nine adults and five minors. All bookings must be completed at least 48 hours before departure, while visa approval remains subject to the relevant government authorities.

“Saudi Arabia is building an events calendar the whole world is meant to attend,” said Nadeem Bakhsh, co-founder and CEO of Webook.com. “Selling tickets to that calendar was step one. Being licensed to get international fans through the airport is step two.”

Webook.com sells tickets for major Saudi events, including Roshn Saudi League matches and Riyadh Season. The platform has attracted more than 18 million users across 180 countries and processed over 25 million bookings during the past year.

More nationalities are expected to become eligible for the package visa as the programme expands.

Source: Arab News

An underground dam located about 54 kilometres south of Turabah Governorate is emerging as a peaceful destination for visitors drawn to nature and outdoor activities.

Situated along Wadi Turabah, one of the governorate’s prominent valleys, the site features a distinctive landscape shaped over time by seasonal floods and rugged terrain. Slopes, riverbanks, rock formations, water and native vegetation combine to create a scenic natural environment.

The area has also become a refuge for birds and local wildlife. Water retained around the dam supports native plant growth, adding to the site’s environmental significance alongside its recreational appeal.

During weekends, residents and visitors head to the area to enjoy activities including walking, relaxing beside the valley, exploring the surrounding landscape and photographing the scenery.

Tour guide Adel Al-Baqmi told the Saudi Press Agency that the dam has attracted both residents and visitors because of its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

With its combination of biodiversity, distinctive terrain and opportunities for relaxation, birdwatching and photography, the underground dam is developing into an important eco-tourism attraction in Turabah, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s natural landscapes away from urban life.

Source: SPA

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA