Qatar’s hotel sector sees rapid growth with 10M room nights sold in 2024

QATAR – Qatar’s hotel sector saw rapid growth in 2024, with 10 million room nights sold, a 23% increase compared to the previous year, according to Qatar Tourism’s 2024 Annual Performance Report.

The report revealed the total hotel supply reached 40,405 room keys, marking a significant milestone. The overall occupancy rate for all accommodation categories rose by 19% compared to 2023, reaching 69%, showcasing a notable rebound in demand.

The highest occupancy rates were observed in the five-star hotels and hotel apartments categories, reflecting sustained demand for premium accommodations.

Additionally, four-star hotels, along with deluxe and standard hotel apartments, also demonstrated strong growth.

Five-star hotels achieved an occupancy rate of 63.7%, while four-star hotels reached 69%.

Meanwhile, 3-1-star hotels reported a 70.2% occupancy rate. Hotel apartments performed exceptionally well, with a 74.6% occupancy rate, and lower-star hotels also saw notable improvements.

Occupancy rates peaked at 85% during November and December, driven by the seasonal influx of visitors.

The average length of stay (ALOS) remained steady at 3.6 nights, highlighting Qatar’s status as both a short-term getaway and a destination for extended stays.

January recorded the highest number of visitors, with 702,000 arrivals, a 107% increase compared to the previous year. Conversely, May saw the lowest number of arrivals at 314,000.

Qatar’s tourism and hospitality sectors experienced impressive growth in 2024, with international visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy, and overall accommodation performance showing remarkable year-on-year improvements.

The tourism sector achieved an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of QR442, an 8% increase from 2023. Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surged by 29%.

International tourism saw a significant rise, surpassing five million visitors (5.08 million), a 25% increase compared to the previous year.

The GCC contributed the largest share of international visitors at 41%, followed by Europe at 23%, and other regions such as Asia and Oceania (20%), other Arab countries (8%), and the Americas (6%).

Additionally, 56% of visitors arrived by air, 37% by land, and 7% by sea, showcasing Qatar’s robust connectivity.

Visitor numbers experienced sustained growth throughout the year, with notable peaks at the start and close of 2024.

High-profile events such as the AFC Asian Cup in January and the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in November, along with the beginning of the 2024/2025 cruise season, contributed to a record-breaking year for Qatar’s tourism sector.

The increase in visitors from Saudi Arabia during the November school holidays further emphasized the sector’s thriving trajectory.

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