RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — After the end of the World Cup at the end of last year, and with expectations of Qatar returning to its normal pace after more than a decade of intensive preparations, Doha’s new bet is to invest everything it has constructed to attract more tourists.
Qatar seeks to attract 6 million visitors annually by 2030, nearly three times the number recorded in 2019, after implementing reforms in real estate and residence and visa laws.
But the most important thing is that Doha plans to attract approximately 1.5 million Saudi tourists during 2023, which appears possible, especially given the improvement in Qatari-Saudi relations and the closeness of the two countries.
So, what are the reason that drives Saudi tourists to flock to Qatar?
The new number of visitors that Qatar is looking for from Saudi tourists is 1.5 million, according to the Director of the Shared Services Department at the Qatar Tourism Authority, Omar Al-Jaber, who expects this to happen in 2023.
According to Al-Jaber, many appealing activities are taking place in Qatar during the next stage, in addition to entry facilities to attract tourists from all over the world, as citizens of over 95 countries are allowed to enter without a visa.
Al-Jaber emphasized the significance of the Saudi market, which is one of the top five markets for Qatari tourism.
Qatar Tourism launched a package of plans and programs for 2023 at the beginning of this year to attract 6 million visitors annually and increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to 12 percent as a part of its strategy to position Qatar as a leading global tourism destination.
Saudi Arabians in Qatar
There are no comprehensive statistics on the number of Saudi visitors in 2022, a year after the end of the Gulf crisis in early 2021.
Prior to the Gulf crisis, Saudi tourists accounted for roughly one-third of the 2.94 million visitors to Qatar.
Haya Al-Nuaimi, Head of Promotion at the Qatar Tourism Authority, stated that Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant international tourism markets.
Al-Nuaimi, in an early November statement, noted that the number of Saudis visiting Qatar topped the list of foreign visitors, with expectations at the time that these numbers would skyrocket during the Qatar World Cup, which saw an unprecedented large influx of Saudi fans to support their national team.
At the time, a Qatari official stated that the number of visitors had surpassed one million by the end of last October, with visitors from the Kingdom accounting for 340,000 of the totals, with a touch rate of 30 percent.
According to data released by “Qatar Tourism,” Saudi Arabian visitors “tend to attract attractions that combine many experiences simultaneously, where shopping, food, and cultural atmosphere are all in one place.”
Important attractions
There is no doubt that Qatar’s impressive organizational and cultural success in the World Cup will be a tourist attraction for it, particularly in the coming period, as many did not expect such a comprehensive cultural development and renaissance, as well as the services provided, such as the metro and others, that dazzled World Cup participants.
Furthermore, Qatar has specialized in family tourism, as Saudi families flock to Doha and stay for extended periods.
Due to its location, Doha provides all the necessary procedures for facilitating and welcoming Saudis to their second homeland.
Furthermore, the 81 sports, cultural, and commercial activities that will be held throughout 2023, including 14 international sports activities, will play an essential role in attracting Gulf tourists. Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Foundation and Qatar University, has developed a calendar, tourism programs, and activities, the most important of which are cultural and educational activities and campaigns to promote land, sea, and educational vacation trips.
All this effort comes from Qatar’s tourism authorities to increase GDP from tourism to 12 percent, up from 7 percent previously, as an actual translation and response to Qatar’s vision, which included supporting tourism activity in all forms.
It is also worth noting that the Qatari Ministry of Interior has extended the validity of the “Haya” card for Qatar World Cup 2022 fans and organizers, according to which holders of visitors with three people can enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.
The most appealing activities
Sports, social, and marketing events, including various international activities and competitions that meet all requirements and interests, are the most crucial tourist activities Qatar is witnessing after the World Cup, which Qataris hope will contribute to attracting more Saudi tourists.
Doha will host the 19th Doha Jewelry and Watches Exhibition, the Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis Championship, the Qatar International Food Festival, and the Qatar Shopping Festival in 2023.
Qatar has previously revealed its plans to receive major tourism projects such as the “Place Vendome” mall, which will include 580 stores, two five-star hotels, and entertainment venues, as well as the “West Bay North Beach” project, which will consist of six beaches, restaurants, and places for outdoor activities, and an island Qetaifan North, which will be the first entertainment island in Qatar and will include luxury hotels and resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants.