Qatar set to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP

DOHA: Qatar’s tourism sector has emerged as a crucial driver of the country’s economic diversification strategy, as evidenced by its robust growth trajectory and alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) framework.

According to Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor and Chief Economist and Managing Director at Oxford Economics, the non-energy sector, including tourism, is expected to be the primary engine of future growth in Qatar. The tourism industry’s expansion is a testament to the strategic importance accorded to this sector within the broader economic diversification efforts.

Tourism strategy

The projected increase in visitor arrivals, from an estimated 4.5 million in 2024 to 4.9 million in 2025, underscores the buoyancy of Qatar’s tourism landscape. The growth is underpinned by the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, creating diverse and immersive experiences for visitors.

The tourism sector’s GDP contribution reached a record-breaking 81.2 billion Qatari riyals in 2022, representing 10.3 per cent of Qatar’s total economic output. The success is further complemented by the sector’s ability to generate employment, with more than 286,000 jobs attributed to the travel and tourism industry, accounting for one in every eight jobs nationwide.

Looking ahead, the country’s tourism strategy, guided by QNV 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, aims to attract six million visitors annually and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 12 per cent by 2030.

The ambitious goal underscores Qatar’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the tourism industry as a key pillar of its economic diversification efforts.

Despite the escalating pressures faced by the region due to slowing global economies, Qatar remains relatively positive, bolstered by strong bilateral deals and investment. The recent signing of long-term supply contracts with India and Taiwan for liquefied natural gas further strengthens the country’s economic resilience and diversification strategy.