Discover Qatar Stopover Programme Achieves Record-Breaking Growth, Amplifying Qatar’s Appeal as a Premier Tourism Destination

Record Growth for Qatar Stopover Programme

Qatar Airways Group’s destination management division, Discover Qatar, has marked an achievement by welcoming over 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme was relaunched in August 2021. This milestone showcases Qatar’s increasing allure as a premier global destination and the rising popularity of the programme.

In January 2025, the programme attracted more than 10,500 visitors, up from 6,651 in January 2024. The number of participants in the stopover programme saw a surge of 165% from April 2024 to Janusurged byred to the same period the previous year.

The programme has also stimulated outstanding growth in hotel reservations, with over 100,000 room nights sold this year alone, double last year’s figures. Qatar Airways Holidays plays a crucial role in this success, contributing over one-third of total bookings and utilizing Qatar Airways’ extensive global marketing reach.

The stopover programme is also gaining traction among Qatar Airways frequent flyers. Twenty percent of customers pay for their bookings using the popular loyalty currency Avios. Logged-in Privilege Club members benefit by earning Avios and Qpoints for every transaction.

Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Mr. Steven Reynolds, said: “Qatar Stopover Programme is central to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 destinations and the outstanding travel experiences we offer, we have firmly established Qatar as a must-visit destination. At Discover Qatar, we are committed to delivering tailored packages that combine cultural discovery, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.”

The expansion of the Stopover program is mainly due to financial backing from Visit Qatar and substantial demand from key markets, fueled by effective marketing campaigns from Qatar Airways teams in Doha and around the world. Major source markets include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Additionally, the travel trade has played a crucial role in supporting the stopover program, with notable contributions from Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, highlighting its broad appeal to leisure and business travellers.

This achievement showcases the exceptional transit experience at Hamad International Airport, named the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2024. Collectively, these features reinforce Qatar’s status as a top destination, providing a harmonious fusion of cultural heritage and modern luxury.