Tourism sector experts and observers expected an increase in hotel occupancy rates by 70 to 80 percent during the blessed Eid Al-Fitr holiday, following the launch of the Haya platform in its new look, which allows 4 types of visas for visitors, and the intention of Qatar Tourism to implement a rich calendar of entertainment activities as well as special promotions and special offers by the country’s hotels and tourism facilities.

This comes after the State of Qatar’s recovery from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the return of life to normal and the recent strong hosting of major international events, on top of which is the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as these factors collectively contributed to improving the performance of the local hotels and tourism sector and enhanced the quality of its operations, encouraging many to make Doha their tourist destination to spend their holidays, especially the current Eid Al-Fitr holiday to enjoy the various entertainment programs usually held here during the period of religious and national holidays.

Tourism expert Ahmed Hussein said that facilitating the entry of visitors to Qatar through the Haya platform, which offers a package of visas, will lead to an influx of tourists to the country, reflecting positively on hotel occupancy and raising occupancy rates from 70 percent to 80 percent during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he stressed that the prepared calendar of activities and events will activate the tourism sector in all its branches, including hotels, restaurants, hospitality and other recreational facilities.

As part of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination, the State of Qatar aims to attract 6 million visitors annually and raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product to 12 percent by 2030.

According to Qatar Tourism data, the total number of visitors to Qatar jumped during the months of January and February of this year by 347 percent on an annual basis to 730,000 visitors compared to the same period last year, which confirms that Qatar has maintained the tourism momentum achieved by hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Data indicates that the State of Qatar started the new year by registering 340,000 visitors in January 2023, an increase of 295 percent on an annual basis, and continued to attract visitors to reach 389,000 visitors last February, a record increase of 406 percent, compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect Qatar’s tourist attraction as a destination for visitors from all over the world.

According to the recent data from the Planning and Statistics Authority, hotel occupancy rates in last February amounted to an average of 57 percent on an annual basis compared to 56 percent in the same period last year. The occupancy rate for five-star hotels reached 57 percent in February compared to 49 percent in the same month last year. (MORE)

Source: Qatar News Agency