Doha: Tourism in Qatar is expected to experience a renewed surge in the second half of 2026, coinciding with a series of offers, programs, and entertainment events launched to attract more tourists from both within and outside Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, data released by Qatar Tourism showed that Qatar received 1.13 million visitors during the first quarter of 2026, including 646,000 visitors in January, 423,000 in February, and 63,000 in March.
Tourism experts expect an influx of visitors in the coming months, coinciding with the current summer holiday season, supported by a broad lineup of events and activities launched by Qatar Tourism. They noted that Qatar has emerged in recent years as a leading tourism destination and one of the preferred choices for travelers seeking diverse experiences that blend the country's rich heritage with modernity.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), experts said the country's tourism sector is expected to witness a strong rebound in inbound travel during the second half of 2026 as the summer holiday season begins. While some residents continue to plan overseas trips, others are opting for domestic destinations, including beaches, resorts, nature reserves, and historic forts, to spend the summer with their families. They added that high airfares and hotel rates abroad, coupled with regional tensions, have prompted many families to reconsider their vacation plans in favor of domestic tourism and Qatar's diverse local tourism offerings.
Tourism expert Ahmed Hussein forecasts a strong recovery in tourist activity during the second half of 2026, citing signs of easing regional tensions and Qatar Tourism's continued efforts to diversify the country's tourism offerings. He said this year's summer season differs from previous years, as high airfare costs and geopolitical developments have led many citizens and residents to prioritize domestic travel. Domestic tourism offers savings of more than 50% compared with overseas vacations, along with a wide range of family and child-friendly entertainment programs organized by Qatar Tourism.
In April, Visit Qatar launched its annual summer campaign under the slogan "Hello Summer," aimed at delivering a season of entertainment and leisure experiences across the country from May through the end of September. The campaign seeks to showcase the diverse range of world-class events and experiences designed to appeal to families, groups of friends, and adventure seekers.
The Summer 2026 program features a packed calendar of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events, including the Qatar Toy Festival, major music concerts, and a variety of activities across leading shopping malls. Luxury hotels and resorts are also offering exclusive summer experiences, alongside theme parks and water attractions designed for visitors of all ages.
Hussein also expects tourists, in the coming period, to take advantage of the country's beaches and coastline. Qatar offers a diverse selection of public and private beaches catering to a wide range of preferences, from natural open beaches to fully integrated beachfront destinations designed to provide premium visitor experiences. The country is home to more than 10 beaches, each offering a distinct recreational experience.