After months of disruption across Middle Eastern airspace, Qatar's tourism authorities are declaring the Gulf state ready to welcome international visitors once again. In an interview with Euronews, Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, described the period as one of the most challenging in recent memory, but emphasised the country's resilience and swift action to support stranded travellers.
During the height of regional tensions, more than 12,000 international visitors—including 8,000 transit passengers—found themselves in Qatar. The country coordinated repatriation efforts through Doha's Hamad International Airport, setting up a 24-hour hotline, WhatsApp updates, and social media alerts. At the cruise port, around 5,000 passengers and crew were affected after the Strait of Hormuz closed, with Celestyal Cruises' Celestyal Journey and TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 5 departing the Arabian Gulf in mid-April.
Al-Mawlawi told Euronews: “We've been through a difficult time. I'll be very honest with you, it was a difficult time that we had never been through before. But I always remind myself of the period of COVID where we passed through a very difficult time, but we passed it stronger than before, more resilience.”
Repatriation and Support Measures
Qatar Tourism enlisted 194 hotels to accommodate the 12,000 visitors, covering room fees and meals for 15 days. The government issued approximately 8,000 emergency visas for transit visitors and facilitated visa extensions and overstay flexibility. “We announced the visa extension as well as a free stay in the hotels with free meals for all of our travellers and guests by that time because we want to always ensure that our guests are a guest in our home,” Al-Mawlawi said.
Now, the focus has shifted to recovery. Visit Qatar's annual Hala Summer campaign, running until September, offers hotel packages, seasonal menus, and concerts by international artists such as John Legend, who will perform at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on 10 September. Initiatives like “kids go free” aim to boost domestic family tourism, while the campaign also targets leisure travellers seeking luxury accommodation, shopping, and beach experiences.
Looking ahead to the final months of 2026, Qatar's calendar includes performances by composer Hans Zimmer and Colombian star Shakira, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix, and the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition. Al-Mawlawi said the country hopes its mix of luxury tourism, cultural experiences, and major events will drive momentum into the winter season. “Qatar is back to normal, and we can always reassure that Qatar is always safe and secure,” he added.
Qatar Airways is expanding its network to over 160 destinations from 16 June, with inaugural flights to Caracas and Bogotá in July—marking the first direct flights between the Middle East and those South American capitals. In Europe, the airline will resume flights to Helsinki with four weekly services from 15 July, increasing to seven weekly flights by 1 August. This expansion comes as foreign carriers return to Doha's airspace.
The tourism sector's recovery is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Qatar's position as a leading destination in the region. For European travellers, the expanded air links and renewed focus on cultural and luxury offerings may make Qatar an attractive option, especially as travel trends evolve. The country's ability to manage a crisis and maintain its hospitality standards could also serve as a model for other destinations facing similar challenges.
