Doha, Qatar, has made remarkable strides in enhancing its tourism competitiveness, as reported by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The country experienced the most significant improvement globally in tourism price competitiveness, elevating its rank by ten positions to 47th place in the WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index for 2026.
Notable Gains in Price Competitiveness
Qatar’s score in the Price Competitiveness pillar surged by 49%, marking the largest enhancement among all economies evaluated. Additionally, the overall score for Qatar in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) increased by 6% compared to 2024. This spike in competitiveness is particularly noteworthy amid a worldwide trend of rising travel expenditures, as most other nations witnessed a decline in their price competitiveness during the same period.
The WEF’s Price Competitiveness pillar evaluates factors influencing travel costs at a destination, such as hotel rates and various travel-related expenses. It is essential to clarify that Qatar’s improvement reflects a change in score according to the WEF’s methodology, rather than positioning the nation as the least expensive tourist destination worldwide.
Impressive Growth in Visitor Arrivals
Qatar has also excelled in improving its Openness to Travel & Tourism, registering the second-highest growth worldwide with a 12% increase in its score. This positive trend aligns with Qatar’s ongoing initiatives to bolster its tourism sector as part of a comprehensive economic diversification strategy. The attraction of international visitors is crucial for establishing the country as a year-round hub for leisure, business activities, sports, and significant global events.
Between January and August 2026, Qatar welcomed approximately 2.3 million visitors via its land, air, and sea ports. In comparison, the preceding year saw arrivals peak at 5.1 million, marking a 3.7% increase from 2024, according to Qatar Tourism. The hospitality industry also flourished, recording 10.8 million overnight stays and total accommodation revenue surpassing QR8.3 billion—an addition of 12% year-on-year.
Expanding Global Marketing Efforts
To amplify its tourism appeal, Qatar has ramped up international marketing and partnerships aimed specifically at drawing visitors from key regions. During 2025, Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar engaged in over 35 global strategic partnerships, executing more than 95 comprehensive marketing campaigns across 19 different markets. Major cultural, sporting, entertainment, and business events play a vital role in enhancing year-round tourism demand.
In 2025 alone, the Qatar Calendar showcased over 600 events, with the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector attracting more than one million international business visitors. As a testament to its growing importance as a travel destination, Doha has been appointed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Tourism Capital for 2026.
Leveraging Technology for an Enhanced Visitor Experience
In tandem with its marketing strategies, Qatar is increasingly integrating technology to refine the visitor experience. Notably, at the Web Summit Qatar 2026, Visit Qatar unveiled an AI Concierge designed to assist travelers in discovering, planning, and navigating experiences throughout the nation. Other innovative digital initiatives, such as an Interactive Travel Journal and specially curated Qatar Calendar experiences, aim to simplify trip planning and provide essential information to visitors.
Additionally, Qatar has upgraded its digital infrastructure for international travelers through the Hayya platform, which successfully processed nearly one million e-visa applications, further reflecting the country’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. The latest findings from the WEF come at a time when Qatar is focused on expanding its tourism infrastructure and developing a diverse portfolio, moving beyond major sporting events to encompass business tourism, cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and year-round attractions.