GCC arrivals jump 11% as Qatar hospitality shows resilience in Q2

Doha, Qatar - Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations surged to 40% of all international arrivals in Qatar, marking an 11% increase in Q2 2026, according to a report by ValuStrat. The hospitality sector in the country demonstrated resilience, bolstered by domestic campaigns and strong regional travel demand, particularly in the month of May when hotel occupancy saw a significant jump of 28.7%, largely due to holiday travel during Eid festivities.

Anum Hasan, Head of Research at ValuStrat, reported that the country welcomed 0.6 million visitors during the quarter, yet hotel occupancy declined by 26.3% compared to the previous year. The average hotel occupancy for the quarter was 23.6%, and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) dropped by 16.2% year-over-year to QR380. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) fell sharply by 38.3% year-over-year to QR197, mainly due to lower occupancy levels.

Despite these challenges, domestic tourism emerged as a key focus, with targeted campaigns like 'Hala Summer' and 'Kids Go Free' encouraging staycations and domestic leisure spending. Returning residents played a significant role in boosting demand for smaller accommodation units. The hospitality sector recorded a 129-room decline in total inventory, with 67% comprising four- and five-star hotels, and 26% consisting of hotel apartments.

With international demand still subdued, some developers and operators may postpone scheduled openings, pushing potential openings from late 2026 into 2027. Despite these external challenges, Qatar's hospitality sector showcased adaptability, navigating through the complexities of geopolitical and economic uncertainties.