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total impact on the economy has increased to 6.7 % of total GDP.
According to the World Economic Forum’ s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, Qatar is the second most competitive travel and tourism destination in the MENA region.
Thanks to a new e-visa platform and visa liberalisation measures positively impacting visitors from over 80 countries, Qatar is now the most open destination in the region.
A new, free Qatar Transit Visa, developed in cooperation with Qatar Airways, also allows passengers of all nationalities to spend up to four days enjoying all the country has to offer. In addition, prospective visitors with valid residence permits or visas to Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, UK, USA, New Zealand or GCC Countries, can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation( ETA), which allows them to obtain visa-on-arrival to Qatar.
Qatar’ s tourism sector offers boundless growth and development opportunities for organisations and individuals, from international hotel chains to local entrepreneurs and the thousands of hospitality workers, all of whom make a visit to Qatar a truly unforgettable experience.
Gems of Qatar
The Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy was launched in February 2014, with the aim of developing a sustainable tourism sector that celebrates Qatar’ s cultural and natural gems.
The Next Chapter, a new fiveyear plan to guide Qatar’ s tourism development, will introduce a blueprint to build on this success. The plan aims to attract 5.6 million visitors to Qatar annually by 2023, double the number the country welcomed in 2016.
Different zones across Qatar will be aligned with themes that celebrate the variety of assets that the country has to offer.
For example, owing to its unique biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, the zone of Al Khor and Al Thakira will emphasise eco-tourism, with an increase in eco-lodges, nature tours, and water sports experiences.
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