The session, moderated by Bloomberg Television anchor Joumanna Bercetche, featured Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, and explored key themes shaping the future of global tourism, including luxury and sustainability, economic resilience, health tourism, and emerging market trends.

During the session, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, announced that the tourism sector contributed QAR 55 billion to the national GDP in 2024, representing 8% of total economic output — a 14% increase over 2023. He assured that Qatar is well on track to achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goal of contributing 12% to GDP, highlighting the sector’s increasing importance in the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy. In 2024, international visitor arrivals reached 5million, a 25% year-on-year increase, with in-destination spend totaling nearly QAR 40 billion. The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, recording 10 million room nights sold during the year.

As part of the panel, the Chairman highlighted how global travel demand is shifting towards lifestyle-driven and purpose-led experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxury nature-based getaways. He noted that travellers are increasingly prioritising experiences, such as bespoke accommodation, culinary exploration, and curated cultural activities, over traditional material spending. Qatar’s strategy aligns with these trends, focusing on six high-potential demand spaces and delivering 54 strategic projects across product development, regulation, and visitor experience enhancement.

The Chairman also discussed the expanding opportunities in regional collaboration, health tourism, and investment. He highlighted joint initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, enhanced air connectivity with China, and Qatar’s integrated health and wellness offerings. He also outlined major development projects such as the QAR 20 billion Simaisma coastal destination and ongoing expansions at Hamad International Airport, reinforcing Qatar’s positioning as a premium, sustainable, and competitive global destination.

Held under the theme “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 convened global leaders to examine key topics including geopolitics, technology, energy security, investment, and the future of sports and entertainment.