Qatar Climbs 10 Places in Global Tourism Index, Leads Price Competitiveness Improvement

Qatar has climbed 10 places to rank 47th globally in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, recording the fastest overall improvement among Middle Eastern economies.

The country achieved an overall score of 4.23 out of 7, representing a 6% improvement compared with the previous edition in 2024. The index evaluated 110 economies, measuring the conditions and policies that support sustainable and resilient tourism development.

One of Qatar's most significant achievements was its performance in the Price Competitiveness pillar, where its score increased by 49%, the largest improvement recorded worldwide. This result reflects a substantial improvement in Qatar's competitiveness under the index's methodology, rather than a 49% reduction in tourism prices.

Qatar also recorded the second-largest global improvement in the Openness to Travel & Tourism pillar, with its score rising by 12%. This category assesses policies and conditions that facilitate international travel and access to tourism destinations.

At the regional level, Qatar ranked third among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, following the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Its overall score of 4.23 exceeded the Middle East and North Africa regional average of 3.98.

The World Economic Forum's 2026 report highlighted growing challenges facing global tourism, particularly rising costs and declining price competitiveness. Approximately three-quarters of the economies assessed experienced a deterioration in their price competitiveness scores between 2024 and 2026, making Qatar's improvement particularly notable.

The Travel & Tourism Development Index evaluates several factors supporting tourism development, including business conditions, safety and security, transport infrastructure, digital readiness, tourism resources, environmental sustainability and international openness.

Qatar's improved ranking reflects progress in the conditions supporting its tourism sector as the country continues to strengthen its position as an international destination and develop tourism as part of its wider economic diversification strategy.

The World Economic Forum originally published the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026 on 25 September 2026.

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