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Beyond Stopovers: Visit Qatar Deepens Its India Focus with New Partnerships
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With new trade partnerships and curated experiences, Visit Qatar aims to drive longer stays and repeat visits from Indian travellers.
Visit Qatar concluded its participation at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) Mumbai 2026 on a strong strategic note — reinforcing its long-term commitment to India through a mix of trade engagement and forward-looking partnerships. The delegation wrapped up the event with the signing of three strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key travel stakeholders, underlining India’s growing importance in Qatar’s global tourism playbook.
The move forms part of Visit Qatar’s broader India strategy, focused on driving longer stays, encouraging repeat visitation, and building sustained trade relationships. And if conversations at OTM were any indication, the destination is leaning into a deeper, more nuanced engagement with the Indian market, that generated 10.8 million room nights and QAR 8.3 billion in accommodation revenue in 2025.
In a conversation with Travel and Food Network, Jassim Mahmood, PR & Communications Director at Visit Qatar, offered a candid look into how the destination is recalibrating its global positioning — and why India is central to its next chapter.
Mr. Jassim Mahmood, PR & Communications Director at Visit Qatar
A Steady Climb in a Complex Year
Despite geopolitical headwinds in the region, Qatar closed the year with resilience. The destination welcomed approximately 5.8 million visitors globally, marking a modest but meaningful 3% increase year-on-year. In the current climate, Mr. Mahmood considers this a quiet victory — proof of sustained confidence in the destination.
India, however, continues to stand out. Arrivals from the subcontinent grew by 6%, touching around 438,000 visitors, reinforcing India’s place as one of Qatar’s most dynamic inbound markets. “We’re happy with the momentum,” Mr. Mahmood shared, adding that the focus now is on maintaining consistent growth rather than chasing spikes.
While Qatar casts a wide global net, its tier-one markets are sharply defined: the United States, UK, Germany, India, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. With nearly 15 international offices worldwide, the strategy is less about scale and more about precision — tailored storytelling for each audience.
The Indian Traveller Is Staying Longer
The Indian traveller, it seems, is evolving in Qatar. While the typical stay averages three to four nights, the rise of destination weddings has reshaped the narrative. Doha hosted a dozen Indian weddings last year, with guests staying anywhere between four to six nights — turning celebrations into extended cultural experiences.
Then there’s the stopover traveller. In partnership with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar, the country’s popular stopover programme allows transit passengers to explore Doha with packages starting from just $14 per night. For many Indians flying long-haul, it’s an accessible introduction to the country’s offerings.
More Than a Market, A Cultural Bridge
What truly sets India apart, Mr. Mahmood emphasises, is history. “Our relationship goes beyond tourism,” he says, referencing decades of cultural exchange, business ties, and familial connections. The familiarity extends into everyday life — from food preferences to shared cultural rhythms.
Culinary diplomacy is a key pillar here. Doha’s dining scene has leaned heavily into Indian tastes, and the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Doha only amplified that connection. Fittingly, one of the first Michelin-recognised restaurants in the city was an Indian establishment — a symbolic nod to how deeply the cuisine resonates with locals and visitors alike.
Beyond gastronomy, weddings have emerged as a powerful connector. Qatar’s central geography, world-class infrastructure, and competitive luxury positioning have made it an increasingly compelling hub for Indian destination weddings. “It’s about bringing people from around the world together in one place,” Mr. Mahmood explains.
That sense of familiarity is intentional. From cultural programming and concerts to shopping and hospitality, the goal is simple: make Indian travellers feel instantly at home — while still offering a distinctly global experience.
Events: Building a Year-Round Calendar
If the FIFA World Cup was Qatar’s coming-out moment, the follow-up calendar signals longevity. Since 2022, the country has hosted events ranging from the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA tournaments to global sporting fixtures like Formula 1, UFC, MotoGP, and triathlons.
Looking ahead, the pipeline is equally ambitious: the FIBA Basketball World Cup, future Asian Games, and even a potential push toward cricket collaborations with India. Add a growing lineup of global music concerts — with major announcements expected soon — and Qatar is clearly investing in cultural relevance beyond mega-events.
From Stopover to Second Home
Interestingly, Qatar’s ambitions don’t end at tourism. Mr. Mahmood frames travel as the gateway — a first impression that often leads to deeper engagement. Increasingly, visitors are exploring longer-term stays, real estate investments, and even business opportunities after experiencing the country firsthand.
“Our goal is not just to bring you to Doha for tourism,” he says. “We want you to live here, build your business here, feel at home here.” It’s a narrative shift — from short visits to emotional anchoring.
The Practicalities: Visas and Flexibility
On the ground, visa policies continue to evolve. While most Indian travellers currently receive a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, regional residents often benefit from multi-entry access. Mr. Mahmood hints that the framework is fluid, shaped by demand and ongoing feedback — signalling a willingness to adapt as travel patterns shift.
A Destination That Feels Familiar
If there’s one takeaway Mr. Mahmood leaves with Indian audiences, it’s reassurance. Qatar, he insists, offers a blend of modern infrastructure, cultural warmth, and accessibility that feels both aspirational and familiar.
“Doha is a place where you will feel welcome,” he says. “You’ll find tradition and modernity side by side — and a destination that understands India deeply.”
For a country that once positioned itself as a stopover, Qatar’s messaging has clearly evolved. Today, it’s not just about passing through Doha — it’s about discovering why more travellers are choosing to stay a little longer.
Having built strong recall as a preferred stopover for Indian travellers, Visit Qatar is now working closely with the travel trade to evolve quick transits into fuller, more immersive stays. The idea is simple: move beyond the layover and shape itineraries that layer culture, marquee events, and curated leisure — encouraging visitors to experience the destination in greater depth.
At the same time, Qatar is steadily cementing its appeal as a destination wedding hub for Indian couples. A mix of striking venues, diverse backdrops, seamless connectivity, and polished hospitality makes for a compelling canvas for modern celebrations — supported by experienced local partners and tailored wedding services that understand the scale and sentiment of Indian weddings.
Backed by strategic alliances, curated event calendars, and continued trade dialogue, Visit Qatar is building a more layered India narrative — one that encourages travellers to stay longer, come back often, and engage more deeply with the destination.
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