You are viewing 1 of your 2 free articles
CT Insight Report: What’s new in Qatar?
Doha recognised as GCC Capital of Tourism 2026
Qatar is among the top inbound GCC markets, according to the 2026 Connecting Travel Insight Report, with data from travel analytics firms RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group.
The destination continues to gain momentum, with stopover visitors driving demand. In 2025, Doha was ranked the second-best city worldwide for a layover, supported by its aviation hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH). Demand for the Discover Qatar Stopover Programme surged in H1 2025, with more than 100,000 room nights sold, marking 165% year-on-year growth. Key traveller markets included the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Australia.
This momentum has continued into 2026, with Qatar welcoming more than 1 million visitors in Q1 alone, according to the country’s tourism data, despite recent regional disruptions.
RELATED:
Doha named GCC Tourism Capital for 2026
Qatar sees 1.13 million visitors in Q1 2026
First Look: Rosewood Doha, Qatar
Doha was named GCC Capital of Tourism for 2026, with the Qatari city set to host a year-long programme of events, from cultural festivals to family activities, including the debut of Art Basel Qatar. From November 2026, Qatar Museums will launch Rubaiya Qatar, a contemporary art quadrennial bringing exhibitions to the region.
Other upcoming attractions include Dugong Adventure World, Qatar’s first animation-themed edutainment park, with interactive gaming, playgrounds and dining options. Newly opened hotels include Rosewood Doha, with a first-of-its- kind wellness club, while a Kimpton is set to debut with 283 keys, five dining venues and a rooftop bar.
Key Developments
Michelin dining in Doha
A total of three restaurants earned stars in the 2026 Michelin Guide Doha, including Idam by Alain Ducasse, also named Qatar’s Best Restaurant in MENA’s 50 Best list 2026.
Celestyal F1-themed cruise
Celestyal will pair race-weekend buzz with classic Gulf ports on an eight-night F1-themed cruise in November 2026, featuring three nights in Doha plus calls in the UAE and Bahrain.
Corinthia Gewan Island, Doha
Set on an island off West Bay, this resort, opening in 2027, will offer 110 rooms, three restaurants, a spa and access to a nine-hole golf course and beach club.
Accommodation Performance
Between 2024 and 2025, the average length of stays remained unchanged, however, higher room rates pushed average booking values up by nearly 9%.
Want to know more?
This feature is an extract from the Connecting Travel Insight Report 2026. With exclusive data from industry heavyweights RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group, the 35-page report forecasts key developments in the GCC travel and tourism sector as well as revealing this year’s top 10 outbound destinations for GCC travellers, providing a roadmap to new opportunities. Get your complimentary copy here today.
Trending
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08713328. 3rd Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU
© 2025 Jacobs Media
