How Qatar Plans to Elevate Travel: Key Tourism Takeaways from the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum

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

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup

These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.