Home » Tourism News » Qatar emerges as top destination for sports and tourism adventures
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
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Qatar shines as a top sports and tourism destination, boasting world-class facilities and attractions that create unforgettable experiences for visitors from all over the world.
Qatar has recently become a leading sports and tourism destination due to the country’s investment in sporting excellence and improved infrastructure in both areas.
A recent report by a global accounting firm highlighted tourism and sports as one of the country’s key sectors as the country seeks to grow and diversify its economy. “Qatar is positioning itself as a leading sports and tourism destination by leveraging strategic investments in first-class sports facilities, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums and Lusail International Circuit, and enhancing its tourism sector offering,” the Qatar Economic Watch 2024 report by PwC Middle East stated.
“This reflects the country’s commitment to leveraging sports and tourism as drivers of nation branding and economic diversification, as evidenced by recent significant budget allocations to sports,” it said, adding that the country’s global sports investments, such as Qatar Sports Investments’ purchase of Paris Saint-Germain, have significantly expanded the country’s sporting influence and the value of its clubs.
Hamad International Airport is expected to see a 25% increase in passenger numbers in the first half of 2024. Industrial growth is driving Qatar’s economic diversification. Doha is ranked the third safest city in the world.
“Domestically, initiatives such as the Aspire Academy and Aspetar Hospital highlight Qatar’s focus on nurturing local sporting talent and channeling it into international sporting success. Following its success in hosting major events, Qatar has focused on strengthening its tourism infrastructure and diversifying its attractions. This includes the introduction of the HayaVisa platform, expanding airports and developing destination resorts and cultural heritage sites.” These initiatives aim to increase visitor numbers by offering a mix of sporting, cultural, health and sustainable travel experiences, and are in line with the national strategy to expand its tourism appeal and showcase its heritage.
The report highlights that Qatar’s successful experience in hosting major sporting events is a valuable asset for other countries: “Qatar has gained valuable expertise in the management and execution of sporting events through its hosting of global competitions such as the 2006 Asian Games, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Qatar Grand Prix. This expertise can be shared with future host countries through the establishment of a Centre of Excellence aimed at supporting countries throughout the entire value chain.”
“By sharing this expertise and knowledge in events management, Qatar will also foster improvements across other sectors, enhancing the visitor experience and boosting tourism, widening the country’s international appeal,” the report said.
As Qatar continues to expand its tourism, cruise tourism stands out as an area with great potential. After the World Cup, Qatar will become the region’s leading cruise destination, with the 2023-2024 cruise season expected to welcome more than 378,000 tourists aboard 73 cruise ships.
