At the 5th edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, held under the theme “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” world leaders and top CEOs gathered to explore the future of major industries. Amid this backdrop, tourism took center stage at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum as His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, joined Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, for a forward-looking conversation on the future of travel. Bloomberg’s Joumanna Bercetche moderated the discussion, which mapped out Qatar’s evolving role on the global tourism map, from rising visitor numbers to luxury resorts and medical tourism.
Tourism Growth That Goes Beyond the Numbers
Qatar is not just attracting more visitors. It keeps them longer. In 2024, the country hit ten million room nights for the first time. Signaling a shift from short stays to more immersive experiences. This milestone follows a 25% increase in tourists over the past year, reaching five million.
However, the focus isn’t purely on volume. “We are focused on extending visitors’ stays and enhancing the quality of their experience,” said His Excellency Al-Kharji. As a result, Qatar now leads the region in room night growth, outpacing neighboring destinations like Abu Dhabi and Kuwait by 22%.
Big Events, Bigger Ambitions
Major international events drive this momentum. From the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Arab Cup to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Qatar continues filling its calendar. At the same time, the country is preparing to host the 2027 Basketball World Cup and the 2030 Asian Games.
“Events like Michael Bublé’s concert this week are great examples of what’s on offer,” His Excellency added.
Qatar’s deep investment in infrastructure, such as stadiums, venues, seamless transport, and global connectivity through Qatar Airways, makes this pipeline of events possible.
Working Hand-in-Hand with the Private Sector
Accor’s Sébastien Bazin, a long-time partner in Qatar’s tourism journey, emphasized the alignment between public vision and private execution. “The government of Qatar sets the vision and direction for tourism, and we are here to execute that vision,” he said.
He also highlighted a less tangible but powerful factor in tourism success: emotion. “People remember how a place made them feel. Not just what they saw or did. It’s about memories, sentiment, and experience.”
Medical Tourism on the Rise
Healthcare also becomes a major draw. With about 12% of Qatar’s national budget allocated to health, the country positions itself as a premium medical tourism destination. “We’re inviting people to come and experience our high-quality, safe, and reliable healthcare system,” said His Excellency.
To meet rising expectations, Qatar Tourism launched the Qatar Excellence Academy, a nationwide training initiative that elevates service from museum guides to taxi drivers.
Closing the Gap in Beachfront Luxury
Despite its modern skyline and cultural depth, Qatar recognizes the need to expand its luxury beach offerings. Developers already work on projects like the Land of Legends theme park, a high-end golf resort, and the Mesma beachfront development, with a combined investment of around $5 billion.
Moreover, to maintain high standards, Qatar has paused new hotel licenses in Doha unless they serve as beachfront or waterfront properties. The goal remains quality over quantity.
Luxury Meets Sustainability
Qatar’s tourism push follows a strong sustainability mandate. From the Al Rabuq luxury resort near a UNESCO biosphere reserve, to the Qatar National Convention Center. Developers incorporate green design into every major project.
“In Qatar, they go hand-in-hand. Every project is developed with sustainability in mind,” said His Excellency. “We take pride in creating luxurious spaces that are environmentally friendly.”
Looking Ahead
With steady leadership, strong infrastructure, and a clear strategy focused on quality, Qatar continues strengthening its position as a rising tourism destination in the region. From luxury stays to cultural depth, and from cutting-edge events to health and wellness, the country’s tourism journey evolves with confidence and momentum.
This article summarizes key insights from a panel discussion at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum. For the full panel, please visit here
Feature Image via Accor on LinkedIn
