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As regional tensions continue to influence travel decisions across the Gulf, Qatar’s hospitality sector is anticipating a rise in Eid al-Adha staycations, with many residents expected to spend the holidays in the country rather than travel abroad.Industry stakeholders say the trend is being driven by a combination of convenience, affordability and growing interest in local tourism experiences, particularly as hotels and resorts introduce attractive Eid packages.Speaking with the Gulf Times, Tawfeeq Travel Group CEO Rehan Ali Syed said many residents are reconsidering their overseas travel plans this Eid due to regional uncertainties and are instead opting for short domestic breaks.“Staycations are emerging as an excellent alternative for residents who want to enjoy the Eid holidays without the stress of international travel. Many people prefer to remain in Qatar because of the current regional situation, while others may choose to spend a short break in their home countries,” he said.Staycations, it is learnt, offer several practical advantages, including lower costs, minimal travel time and freedom from visa applications or currency exchange concerns. It allows families and individuals to relax in a comfortable setting while discovering local attractions and experiences they might not normally visit.Several hospitality industry sources said many hotels across the country have already recorded an increase in bookings ahead of Eid al-Adha and expect demand to remain strong throughout the summer season, particularly among families and residents seeking quick leisure escapes.Qatar’s hotel sector has increasingly focused on staycation offerings in recent years, with properties introducing packages that combine accommodation with dining, wellness and recreational experiences. Luxury beachfront resorts, desert retreats, and city hotels continue to attract residents seeking convenient holiday options without leaving the country.Many hotels are also promoting family-oriented activities, children’s entertainment programmes and spa experiences as part of their Eid offerings. Industry observers noted that wellness tourism and short leisure breaks have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, with residents placing greater emphasis on relaxation and quality time close to home.According to Visit Qatar, the country’s tourism strategy continues to promote a diverse range of leisure experiences, including luxury hospitality, cultural attractions and wellness tourism, helping position Qatar as a year-round destination for both residents and international visitors.Syed pointed out that with Visit Qatar actively promoting the “Hala Summer” campaign in coordination with hotels, Destination Management Companies, and other stakeholders within the hospitality sector, “we believe this presents a valuable opportunity to further enhance internal tourism activities while also targeting key GCC markets collaboratively”.Qatar offers a wide variety of staycation options, ranging from luxury island and beachfront resorts to urban escapes in Doha and wellness-focused retreats. Popular attractions such as beaches, museums, cultural districts and family entertainment destinations further enhance the appeal of local holidays during festive periods.Syed said the Eid staycation trend also benefits the local economy by supporting domestic tourism and hospitality businesses. He highlighted Qatar’s world-class hotels, excellent facilities and diverse attractions that make staycations appealing for couples, families and solo travellers. 

Qatar’s hospitality sector, the present supply of which stands at 41,463 rooms, is on track to reach a total of more than 44,500 keys by 2027 as the country’s tourism remains “buoyant”, according to Knight Frank, a London-based global property consultant.Qatar’s hospitality sector added 718 hotel rooms in the first half (H1) of 2025, taking total supply to 41,463 rooms. Approximately 60% of this supply consists of international branded hotels, Knight Frank said in its latest report.“Now recognised as a leading regional lifestyle and leisure destination, Qatar is on track to reach 44,562 hotel rooms by the end of 2027, in line with the government’s national tourism strategy,” it added.In terms of performance metrics, the hotel sector has remained broadly “stable” over the past 12 months, it said, adding occupancy rates edged up to 70.7%, a modest 0.3% year-on-year increase, indicating steady demand.The ADR (average daily rate), however, softened slightly by 0.2%, to QR454. Nevertheless, RevPAR (revenue per available room) increased by 2.9%, reaching QR321, “signalling moderate but sustained profitability” within the sector, according to Knight Frank.Finding that the supply of rooms continues to expand, though at a more measured pace than the pre-2022 FIFA World Cup years; it said after adding 718 rooms in the first half of 2025, following the 1,020 keys added in 2024, the total supply has now reached 41,463 rooms.Occupancy has continued to grow across all segments, despite a slight increase in supply, driven by demand from regional tourists and business travellers, said Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory, Knight Frank. The report said the midscale and upscale segments of the hotel market remain the most active, driven by solid demand from regional tourists and business travellers.Meanwhile, upcoming mega events and enhanced air connectivity - courtesy of Qatar Airways - continue to boost international tourism sentiment.Additionally, the country’s commitment to diversifying tourism experiences through luxury shopping destinations, cultural hubs like Msheireb and Katara, and the active promotion of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) is further solidifying its position as a competitive hospitality hub in the region, it said.The strong regional and international footfall underpins Qatar’s strategic goal to diversify its economy and expand its non-oil sectors, the report said.The hospitality sector continued to demonstrate resilience, although there has been a marginal 0.2% dip in international arrivals year-on-year as of June 2025.Total visitor numbers reached about 2.63mn, down slightly from 2.64mn the same period in 2024. Nevertheless, the broader tourism landscape “remains healthy”, following a significant 24.6% surge in visitors in 2024, reaching 5.05mn, up from 4mn in 2023, according to the report.“This surge can be attributed to Qatar’s expanding global air connectivity through Qatar Airways, increased regional promotional campaigns, and the continued development of cultural, retail, and sports tourism offerings,” Knight Frank said.