Qatar breaks into world’s top 20 travel destinations

Doha, Qatar, has been recognized as the 19th best country in the world by Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. This marks a significant milestone for the nation, placing it ahead of Canada, which ranked 20th. The ranking was determined by nearly 800,000 votes from global travelers, with scores based on ratings submitted between April and June 2026. These ratings were converted into percentages and averaged to create the final scores.

Qatar's ascent in the rankings reflects the country's rapid growth as a global tourism destination. In 2024, Qatar welcomed over five million visitors, a 25% increase from the previous year, and an additional 3.7% growth in 2025. This surge in tourism is largely attributed to the momentum generated by the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar's ongoing tourism strategy.

The publication also highlighted the contrast between Qatar's modern urban landscape and its rich cultural traditions, describing it as a destination that offers both "cutting-edge" and deeply authentic experiences.

Doha, the capital city, played a crucial role in Qatar's rise in the rankings. Condé Nast Traveller praised Doha's growing creative and independent character, along with the expansion of world-class hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The magazine emphasized that Qatar offers a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm, making it an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers.

In comparison, other top-ranking destinations include Greece at the top with a score of 98.14, followed by Japan at 97.01 and Italy at 96.48. Turkiye and Portugal also secured spots in the top five, with scores of 94.90 and 94.64, respectively. Costa Rica ranked sixth, while Croatia, Indonesia, and Kenya entered the top 10 for the first time. Thailand completed the top 10.

Notably, Kenya made it to the top 10 for the first time, marking a significant development in the travel rankings. Canada also joined the list at 20th place. Qatar's 19th-place ranking underscores its growing appeal to international travelers, offering a blend of contemporary luxury and cultural authenticity. The recognition comes as Qatar continues to position tourism as a key component of its economic diversification strategy, further solidifying its position as a global leisure, cultural, and events hub.