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Qatar attracts majority of Gulf visitors in 2011

As per the latest statistics from the Qatar Tourism Authority, more than 50percent of visitors in Qatar hotels were from the Gulf region, last year. The data also showed 12% growth in international tourism in Qatar, partly due to the strategy adopted by Qatar, of targeting transiting travelers for a stopover in Doha.

Qatar recorded a total of 845,630 tourists from the Gulf region in 2011. Among these, majority of tourists were Asians, constituting 58% of the total visitors in the country.

Four and Five-star hotels in Qatar enjoyed 19.3% growth in occupancy rates and increased revenues to QR5bn, owing to increased tourist arrivals in the State. Almost all hotels in Qatar held a steady occupancy rate of 59% last year, despite sharp increase in hotel supply.

According to QTA Chairman, Ahmed al-Nuaimi, tourism is central to Qatar’s vision of creating diversified and sustainable economy. The results have been attributed to growth of hospitality industry, particularly in area of resorts and hotels, and strategy aimed at targeting travelers transiting to stop in Doha.

More than $100bn has been invested in infrastructure in Qatar, as Qatar prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The government revealed plans are underway to build 77 new hotels and 42 hotel apartments ahead of the games.

According to tourism authority eight new hotels were unveiled in Qatar last year, making the total number of hotels and rooms reach 74 and 11,341 in number, respectively. The InterContinental Doha The City has been unveiled in Doha, which added 302 rooms and 58 suites to the growing hospitality sector in the country. The St. Regis Doha is due for opening on 28th February this year, and hoped to bring in 336 rooms and suites.

Apart from hotels, Qatar is also building the new $11bn Doha International Airport, and $6bn Doha Port Project, and the $25bn metro and railway system.

Posted on 21/2/2012