“Even though world tourism indicators have suffered severely in 2009, the first half of 2010 witnessed a surge in Qatar’s own tourism indicators, as Qatar became a favourite destination for sports and culture tourism. In addition, Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is expanding its routes worldwide and growing its state-of-the-art fleet. QTA is also implementing a strategy aimed at people visiting Qatar on business visas to tour its top destinations,” he said.

In statistics released in Doha today, Mr Al Nuaimi said there are currently 66 hotels are operating in the country including 17 five-star hotels, 11 four-star hotels, 21 three-star hotels, 14 two-star hotels and 3 one-star hotels.

In comparison in 2009, Qatar had 58 hotels classified as 15 five-star hotels, 13 four-star hotels, 17 three-star hotels, 11 two-star hotels and 2 one-star hotels, while in 2008 the number stood at fifty-one hotels classified as follows: 12 five-star hotels, 11 four-star hotels, 15 three-star hotels, 11 two-star hotels and 2 one-star hotels.

He put the number of hotel rooms in Qatar, excluding hotel apartments, in 2010 at 9574 classified as follows: 4829 five-star hotel rooms, 2604 four-star hotel rooms, 1579 three-star hotel rooms, 505 two-star hotel rooms and 57 one-star hotel rooms.

In comparison, Qatar had 8495 hotel rooms in 2009 classified as follows consisting of 4059 five-star hotel rooms, 2760 four-star hotel rooms, 1084 three-star hotel rooms, 552 two-star hotel rooms and 40 one-star hotel rooms. While in 2008 the number stood at 6767 classified as follows: 3056 five-star hotel rooms, 2155 four-star hotel rooms, 964 three-star hotel rooms, 552 two-star hotel rooms and 40 one-star hotel rooms.

The Chairman said that huge investments are pouring into Qatar’s hotel sector, as 45 new hotels and hotel apartment complexes will be launched by end of 2011, with an approximate capacity of 7089 hotel rooms and 1359 hotel apartments.

Commenting on hotel occupancy rates in 2010, Mr. Al Nuaimi said the average occupancy rate last year was around at a solid 60 percent.

“This shows year-on-year growth in hotel bookings. Our figures show that the occupancy rate was put at 50 percent in 2009 after reaching 67 percent in 2008,” he said. “New hotels were launched in Qatar in 2010 adding to the country’s hotel capacity. Nevertheless, we maintained a healthy occupancy rate, with a noticeable surge in 2009.”

Revenues of four- and five-star hotels in Qatar in 2010 also saw an increase and Mr. Al Nuaimi has confirmed a noticeable year-on-year surge in hotel room and food and beverages revenues. QTA statistics show revenues for four-star hotels totaled QR520,790,701 in 2010 compared with QR488,413,846 in 2009 and QR521,805,875 in 2008.

“As for five-star hotels, revenues totaled QR1,808,724,266.63 in 2010 compared with QRs 1,590,753,104 in 2009 and QRs 1,601,189,253 in 2008. This increase is due to better occupancy rates in 2010 coupled with higher spending on food and beverages,” the Chairman said.

Mr. Al Nuaimi said that in 2011 QTA plans to promote tourism in the Gulf nation and attract tourists from all over the world.

“In fact, we give priority to tourists who are willing to stay longer and spend more while in Qatar. Our marketing and promotion efforts target tourist-exporting countries with the aim of attracting tourists who may be interested in the tourist attractions and popular destinations in Qatar,” Al Nuaimi said.

“We have a delegation representing all facets of Qatar’s tourism sector (MICE, sport tourism, culture tourism, leisure tourism and stop over tourism via Qatar Airways) that represents QTA in meetings with all parties concerned with tourism in targeted Asian countries,” Mr. Al Nuaimi said. “We also aim to promote Qatar as the host nation of several international and regional sport events, including Asian Cup 2011. QTA plans to expand its tourism promotion activities into Australia by highlighting our different tourist destinations to potential tourists.”