Projected Indian Arrivals
Qatar's tourism sector is optimistic about its relationship with the Indian market, forecasting a robust growth of 6-7% in tourist arrivals from India for the year
2026. This projection follows a successful 2025, during which the country welcomed 483,000 travelers from India. This figure represented a healthy increase of 6% compared to the 454,000 Indian visitors recorded in 2024, according to Visit Qatar. This upward trend indicates a strong and growing interest from Indian travelers in exploring what Qatar has to offer, positioning India as a key market for the nation's tourism ambitions and contributing significantly towards their 2030 vision.
Diverse Event Calendar
To capture and expand upon this growing interest, Qatar has curated an attractive and varied calendar of events for 2026, specifically designed to appeal to a global audience, with a particular emphasis on Indian travelers. This includes a rich tapestry of events such as concerts that promise electrifying performances, an array of food festivals celebrating diverse culinary traditions, and immersive culinary experiences. These initiatives aim to draw visitors by offering unique entertainment and gastronomic adventures, enhancing Qatar's appeal as a multifaceted destination beyond its traditional attractions and catering to a wide spectrum of interests.
Targeted Sector Focus
For the Indian market in 2026, Visit Qatar is strategically honing its focus on several key areas. Sports tourism is a major pillar, leveraging Qatar's proven capability in hosting world-class sporting events. Alongside this, there's a strong emphasis on family-friendly activities and cultural experiences that showcase the rich heritage of the region. Furthermore, the nation is actively promoting health and wellness tourism, recognizing its robust healthcare system. Plans are underway to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop attractive packages that combine medical treatments with opportunities for travelers to explore and enjoy Qatar as a destination.
Bollywood Collaboration
In a move to further enhance its appeal and reach within the Indian market, Qatar is exploring synergistic partnerships with the vibrant world of Bollywood. This initiative aims to tap into the immense popularity of Indian cinema and its global reach. By engaging with Bollywood, Qatar seeks to create unique promotional opportunities, potentially involving film shoots, celebrity endorsements, or themed events that can significantly boost visibility and draw in a wider demographic of Indian tourists who are often inspired by their favorite stars and cinematic narratives.
Robust Connectivity
Qatar enjoys exceptional connectivity with India, a factor that is crucial for facilitating increased tourist traffic. Currently, there are 99 weekly flights linking 13 major Indian cities to the Qatari capital. These flights operate at a high capacity, with an average of 90% occupancy, indicating a substantial demand from the Indian populace. The strong appetite for travel between the two nations suggests that Qatar Airways may consider expanding the number of flights from India in the future to accommodate the growing number of travelers.
Strategic Market Approach
Visit Qatar's strategy for the Indian market in 2026 involves a dual approach: building brand recognition in metro cities while aiming for broader national appeal. The initial focus will be on establishing and strengthening the 'Visit Qatar' brand in India's major urban centers, recognizing their significant outbound travel potential. This concentrated effort in metropolitan areas is expected to create a ripple effect, ultimately extending brand awareness and attracting visitors from other cities across India, thereby maximizing the reach of their promotional campaigns.
