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

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.