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

Kuramathi Maldives will change the game for family travel this summer with the return of Campioni Soccer Academy’s exclusive football training camps. Running over two weeks in late July and early August 2025, the programme gives young players the chance to train with former Premier League stars John Barnes MBE, Stuart Pearce MBE, and UEFA-licensed coach Adrian Whitbread. Set on the island’s pristine beachfront pitch, this unique collaboration blends professional-level sports instruction with all the comforts of a luxury tropical holiday.

Where Football Legends Meet the Maldives

From 28 July to 1 August and again from 4 to 8 August 2025, the Campioni training camps welcome children aged 4 to 15. Barnes, Pearce, and Whitbread lead two hours of daily coaching, following the FA’s Four Corner Model. The sessions focus on more than just skill-building. They support teamwork, confidence, decision-making, and fun.

Week 1 (28 July–1 August): John Barnes and Adrian Whitbread
Week 2 (4–8 August): John Barnes, Stuart Pearce, and Adrian Whitbread

Training sessions run from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. This allows families to enjoy the day before heading to the pitch. Parents can watch from the sidelines or join the mid-week parents’ game. Each week ends with a medal and certificate ceremony, creating a celebratory close to the experience.

More Than a Training Camp

The football sessions mark just the beginning. The Campioni experience also includes:

A welcome drinks event to kick off the week
A parents vs. kids match hosted mid-week
A closing ceremony with certificates, medals, and photos
Dedicated Meet & Train events for local Maldivian children, connecting nearby communities with elite football talent

Kuramathi Maldives shows its commitment to family-focused experiences through its Bageecha Kids Club, which caters to children aged 3 to 12. The club offers nature walks, marine life discovery sessions, beach games, and eco-friendly workshops such as coral awareness and tree planting.

A Resort Built for Active Families

While young players train, parents can unwind in style. Kuramathi provides a wide array of activities for adults and families:

An award-winning spa with overwater and beachfront pavilions
A fully equipped fitness centre and yoga classes
Watersports like paddleboarding, snorkelling, and kayaking
World-class diving at Rasdhoo Atoll’s marine sites, including manta rays and turtles
A mile-long sandbank for morning walks or family beach time

The resort offers 360 villas, including Two Bedroom Beach Houses ideal for families and Deluxe Water Villas perched above turquoise lagoons. Guests choose from three meal plans. The Select All Inclusive option grants access to nine à la carte restaurants and seven bars. Evening entertainment features live music, discos, and sunset lounging at the Champagne Loft or Sand Bar.

Kuramathi leads in sustainable tourism through its Eco Centre, coral nursery, hydroponic gardens, and in-house water bottling plant. All contribute to its long-term environmental vision.

Win a Football-Filled Family Getaway

To celebrate the partnership, Kuramathi Maldives, Campioni Soccer Academy, and Visit Maldives launched a global giveaway for the summer. One lucky family of four will win:

A 5-night all-inclusive stay at Kuramathi during the Campioni 2025 dates
Participation for one child (aged 4–15) in the training programme
Roundtrip speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport

For entry details please see the Instagram post

A Holiday That Inspires

This collaboration offers more than just a football camp. It reimagines the family holiday experience by bringing professional sports, cultural exchange, community empowerment, and leisure together in one unforgettable setting.