QTA unveils Qatar national tourism sector strategy 2030

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi has unveiled the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 during a launch ceremony at the cultural village Katara. Drawing inspiration from the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, the strategy sets out a roadmap for the state’s tourism sector. “The new strategy aims to position Qatar as a world class hub with deep cultural roots, further placing the country on the world tourism map and allowing people from around the world to recognize and appreciate what it has to offer via its unique culture and heritage,” a press release by QTA said on Monday. The strategy was developed through a nationwide consultative process led by QTA and involving public and private sector organizations, civil society, key industry stakeholders, and opinion leaders. “Tourism is a vital pillar in Qatar’s development efforts and a key driver of socio-economic growth in the country” said Al Mohannadi. “The Strategy strives to fully capitalize on Qatar’s tourism potential and represents the aspirations of the Qatari people for the future of their country. It will help reinforce Qatar’s regional and international standing as a premium destination offering authentic experiences, business facilitation, and family-focused recreation, all while expanding and promoting the country’s sports, health and wellness, nature, and educational tourism offering as well”, he added. The strategy is set to expand the economy, grow the number of SMEs, and encourage entrepreneurship and a greater role for the private sector in the economy. By 2030, the strategy is set to increase tourism’s total contribution to the national GDP, enhance the total tourist spend in Qatar to nearly $10.7 billion, and achieve a greater balance in the breakdown of tourists to Qatar by market of origin and purpose of visit. More than 60 new strategic tourism development initiatives are in the pipeline. “Qatar has built a strong foundation for the tourism sector by developing a plethora of cultural offerings, sporting events, [Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions] facilities and leisure options,” said Al Mohannadi. “Now the time has come to build upon our past successes and bring our bold plans to fruition. The end result of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 will be a thriving tourism sector that will be ready to handle the demands of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and far beyond. It will take a collaborative effort from all of Qatar working towards the success of our goals – the legacy of this strategy will be better infrastructure and higher quality of leisure and entertainment for us all. Most of all, every Qatari will be proud of Qatar’s growing international profile as an economic and cultural force.”