Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s sports tourism growth and potentials, particularly post FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was the focus of discussion on the concluding day of the 51st session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East held in Doha.
The three-day event, hosted by Qatar Tourism, was successfully rounded up with a conference on sports tourism titled “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry After the World Cup.”
The conference, held from February 11 to 13, was attended by high-ranking delegations from thirteen member nations. The agenda of the meeting included a review of accomplishments, an analysis of industry trends, and the identification of critical priorities aimed at enhancing tourism within the region.
Dignitaries in attendance include Chairman of Qatar Tourism H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji; Secretary-General, UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili; and Regional Director for the Middle East, UN Tourism Basmah Al Mayman, among others.
In his welcome remark, Al Kharji noted that sports tourism in Qatar has witnessed tremendous growth, and the trajectory has been further accelerated with the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“This resounding success of this landmark event that was organised for the first time in the Middle East showcased Qatar’s ability to seamlessly host large-scale international events. The growth of sports tourism in Qatar reflects the country’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for economic diversification and global engagement. By combining cutting-edge infrastructure, strategic planning, and a diverse range of attractions, Qatar has successfully established itself as a leading destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike,” the Qatar Tourism chairman said.
The UN Tourism organization reported that the Middle East experienced the most rapid recovery from the pandemic’s effects in 2024.
The meeting underscored the significance of regional collaboration. Kuwait was designated as the Chair of the Regional Commission for the term 2025-2027, while Qatar was appointed as First Vice-Chair and Iraq as Second Vice-Chair.
Qatar’s role as First Vice-Chair signifies its increasing influence in the tourism sector and its proactive engagement in fostering both regional and global tourism growth.
Furthermore, it was announced that Kuwait will host the subsequent session, the 52nd Regional Meeting, in 2026, highlighting the ongoing regional efforts to advance sustainable tourism development in the Middle East.
This concluding sports tourism conference gathered experts and specialists to examine the influence of significant sporting events on regional tourism, particularly focusing on how to capitalize on the momentum generated by large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to enhance sports tourism.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event, Head of Tourism Investment Promotion at Qatar Tourism Authority Mohamed Al Mahmeed noted that the theme of this year’s event was strategically chosen considering the importance of sports tourism to Qatar.
“The initiatives we have undertaken, along with the country’s efforts regarding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, have significantly contributed to promoting awareness of Qatar. Our strategy is to continue our current trajectory by organizing major events and showcasing sports and cultural activities, thereby presenting to the global audience the unique offerings of Qatar. We remain committed to our identity, heritage, and cultural values throughout this process. It is our hope that these endeavors will effectively highlight what Qatar has to offer, as evidenced by the increasing number of visitors,” he said.
The conference showcased Qatar’s achievements in this domain and emphasized the impact of substantial investments in sports clubs and international athletes in solidifying the Middle East’s status as a leading global sports and tourism hub. Discussions also included the role of technology in improving the sports tourism experience, the collaboration between Qatar and its neighboring countries to position the Middle East as a premier sports tourism destination, and the contribution of sports to enhancing the region’s brand, drawing insights from Qatar’s successful initiatives and experiences.
