DOHA: Backed by the government spending on tourism development, Qatar’s travel market is expected to grow steadily from $5.4bn in 2012 to $7.7bn in 2014, a report said.
The online travel market in Qatar will see a significant boost, rising from $944m in 2012 to an estimated $1.6bn in 2014, owning 9.9 percent of the Middle Eastern online market share, added the new research note released by global travel market research firm PhoCusWright.
The report is co-sponsored by Amadeus, a leading technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry. A comprehensive assessment of the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East, the research particularly focuses on the growth and potential of the online travel segment across markets including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
Wafiq al Wahidi, general manager, Amadeus Qatar, said: “The figures are indicative of the strong growth potential of the overall travel and tourism sector in Qatar. Undoubtedly, the sector will see further advancement on the back of ambitious development plans by the government to transform Qatar’s travel industry.
“Heavy investments are being allocated to transportation, travel accommodation, infrastructure and other tourism-related sectors. Further, the Fifa 2022 World Cup is set to boost Qatar’s travel industry, which is channeling billions of dollars into significant infrastructure developments that will support demand before and during event,” he added.
The report cited that while internet penetration in Qatar stands at 82 percent, mobile penetration is among the highest in the world at 182 percent and smartphone penetration is at 75 percent, online shopping is still considerably low. However, it will to grow steadily, driven by government initiatives, retailer investment and, most importantly, a savvy, young population open to trying new technologies.
It was further revealed that gross bookings made by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are expected to rise from $342m in 2012 to $548m in 2014.
With Qatar Airways dominating the market and in close competition with regional giants Emirates and Etihad, PhoCusWright anticipates that gross bookings made by the airline sector in Qatar will increase from $4.6bn in 2012 to $6.8bn in 2014.
Qatar has been identified as having the smallest lodging infrastructure in the region. In fact, gross bookings made in the sector dipped from $808m in 2011 to $749m in 2012. However, it is projected that bookings will increase to $878m in 2014, the report said.
With online shopping across the Arab world booming, growing numbers of car renters in Qatar are expected to turn to the internet for domestic and worldwide bookings and several car rental operators in Qatar have launched new websites along with simplified versions for mobile phone users.
As a result, gross bookings made in the car rental space are seeing a steady increase and are expected to touch $50.7m in 2014, the PhoCusWright report noted.
The Peninsula
