Tourexpi
Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming over 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme’s relaunch in August 2021. This achievement reflects Qatar’s growing appeal as a world-class destination and the programme’s growing popularity.
In January 2025, the programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025 – as compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.
The programme has also driven exceptional growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold so far this year – doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme’s sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe.
Stopover is proving incredibly popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers too, with 20% of customers using the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, with logged in Privilege Club members earning Avios and Qpoints with 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 growth of the Stopover programme has been attributed to a combination of financial support from Visit Qatar coupled with strong demand from key source markets, driven by strong marketing campaigns from the Qatar Airways teams in Doha and in outstations across the globe. Leading global source markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. The stop over programme has also received significant support from the travel trade, with particularly strong contributions coming from Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
This accomplishment also highlights the world-class transit experience at Hamad International Airport, recognised as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2024. Together, these elements enhance Qatar’s position as a premier destination, offering a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern luxury.
Image Credit: @ Qatar Airways
The most interesting news
Read the News

Travel technology at ITB Berlin 2026: AI and global innovation reshape the industry
With six fully booked Travel Tech halls, strong international participation and a new Travel Tech Track in the convention programme, ITB Berlin 2026 underscores its role as the world’s leading platform for travel technology and digital transformati
Read the News

Türkiye’s airline fleets expand significantly over five years
Driven by rising passenger demand and major airport investments, Türkiye’s airlines have expanded their fleets sharply since 2021, with Turkish Airlines accounting for the largest share at the end of 2025
Read the News

Emirates extends Chauffeur-Drive service in Japan to Narita and Kansai
Premium ground service now available at three major Japanese airports from February and March 2026
Read the News

Moxy Hotels brings a playful twist to the New Year with Sweet Moxy Fest
Limited-edition candy cocktails and interactive lobby experiences roll out across 10 Moxy Hotels in China
Read the News

DRV welcomes National Tourism Strategy as a clear signal for the travel industry
German cabinet sets priorities on competitiveness, cutting red tape and sustainable development
Read the News

Celebrity River Cruises announces 10 additional ships and opens 2028 Europe season
With an order for ten new vessels and the opening of bookings for its 2028 European season, Celebrity River Cruises is significantly accelerating its expansion on Europe’s rivers
Read the News

Air India expands single-aisle fleet with order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets
By ordering 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Air India is accelerating the modernisation of its fleet and reinforcing its growth strategy in India’s rapidly expanding domestic and regional aviation market
Read the News

Hurghada: TUI Care Foundation supports Maaza Bedouin community through cultural tourism
With a new cultural tourism initiative in Hurghada, the TUI Care Foundation is strengthening the visibility, livelihoods and cultural heritage of Egypt’s Maaza Bedouin community while creating authentic experiences for visitors to the Red Sea desti
Read the News

TAT launches ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign with LISA as Amazing Thailand Ambassador
With a new TV commercial featuring Lalisa “LISA” Manobal, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening its Trusted Thailand strategy and positioning the country as a high-quality destination through emotion-led storytelling
Read the News

China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan
Beijing cites security concerns and earthquake risks as tensions with Tokyo remain high
Read the News

Four Seasons marks 65 years with focus on disciplined global growth
Anniversary year highlights expansion in key markets, residential strength and the debut of Four Seasons Yachts
Read the News

Spain presents Tourism 2030 Strategy at FITUR and strengthens global tourism governance
At FITUR 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism outlines strategic priorities for the decade ahead, relaunches social dialogue in hospitality and confirms the opening date of the Parador de Ibiza
Read the News

Emirates and Air Peace activate bilateral interline agreement
Enhanced partnership expands seamless connectivity between Africa, the UAE and London
Read the News

Shiso City unveils new sustainable experiences rooted in forests, fermentation and heritage railways
Located near Kyoto and Osaka, the forest-rich city in Hyogo Prefecture positions itself as an emerging destination for nature-based and culturally grounded travel
Read the News

Diamond Princess expands culinary offering with two new specialty restaurants
Makoto Ocean and the Crown Grill debut for the 2026 Asia and Japan season, further enhancing Princess Cruises’ dining experience at sea
Read the News

Germany issues travel alert for the United States after Minneapolis shooting
Foreign Ministry urges vigilance following violent confrontations during protests in several U.S. cities
Read the News

Eurowings expands services and routes in early 2026
Fast onboard internet, a top employer award, flexible flight vouchers and a new summer route from Graz underline Eurowings’ focus on connectivity and quality
Read the News

ITB Berlin 2026 launches ITB Navigator for matchmaking and show preparation
New digital platform supports networking, appointment planning and information access ahead of ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026
Read the News

Marella Cruises reveals headline acts for 30th Birthday sailings in May 2026
Live performances and celebrity Q&A sessions will mark three decades of Marella Cruises with celebratory voyages across the fleet
Read the News

Oceania Cruises marks America’s 250th anniversary with distinctive Alaska and New England voyages
Luxury cruise line unveils 19 journeys in 2026 combining heritage, landscapes and destination-focused culinary experiences
Read the News

Condor launches daily Frankfurt–Cairo service from May 2026
New route strengthens Condor’s international network and expands access to a key market in North Africa
