Qatar Anticipates Record-Breaking Cruise Season with 430,000 Passengers Expected

Qatar is gearing up for its most successful cruise season to date, with the 2024/2025 season expected to break previous records. The season, which began with the arrival of the Resorts World One Cruise Ship, marks the first maiden call of the year and sets the stage for a bustling period in Qatar’s maritime tourism sector.

According to Qatar Tourism, the upcoming season will see 95 cruise ship arrivals, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls, and four first-time maiden calls. This represents a significant increase from the 2023/2024 season, which saw 73 cruise ships and over 347,000 visitors. For the current season, Qatar is projecting over 430,000 passengers, a 30% increase in cruise arrivals and a 24.5% rise in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.

HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, expressed confidence in the cruise sector’s growth, highlighting its importance in achieving Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030. The growth is attributed to rising demand for cruises in the Gulf region and strategic partnerships with leading cruise lines.

Qatar’s enhanced cruise season is expected to attract a diverse range of travelers, from seasoned cruise-goers to first-time passengers, offering a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The country’s appeal to international tourists, particularly those from Europe and North America, is enhanced by its role as a cruise destination that offers something distinct from traditional Mediterranean or Caribbean options.

The success of this season is seen as a model for future growth, with a focus on enhancing visitor experiences, expanding port capabilities, and promoting Qatar’s tourism offerings. Qatar’s strategic efforts in tourism infrastructure and industry relationships are positioning it as a premier destination in the global cruise industry.