Doha, October 23 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism announced a 2.2% increase in the total number of visitors to the State of Qatar during the first nine months of the year, reaching 3.5 million visitors compared with the same period last year.

In a statement Thursday, Qatar Tourism confirmed that the growth in visitor arrivals and accommodation demand continued through the period ending September 30, as the country prepares for a full calendar of events in the final quarter of this year and early next year.

According to the statement, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remained the largest source market, contributing 36% of total visitors, followed by Europe with 25%, and Asia and Oceania with 22%.

It added that the third quarter of this year recorded notable growth in visitors from China, up by 37%, and from Australia, up by 31%.

Regarding entry methods into Qatar, the statement noted that 60% of visitors arrived by air, 33% by land, and 7% by sea, reflecting continued active tourism flows across all entry points.

As for accommodation capacity, the statement indicated that the total number of hotel and hotel apartment rooms reached 41,733. Average occupancy across all accommodation categories up to the end of Q3 stood at 68%, an increase of 2.4%age points compared to last year, while total room nights sold rose to 7.7 million, showing an 8% year-on-year growth in demand.

As Qatar enters the final quarter of the year, Visit Qatar is preparing to launch a comprehensive program of events under the Qatar Calendar 2025–2026. This quarter marks the beginning of a series of international sports tournaments, cultural programs, and entertainment events expected to attract residents, regional travelers, and international visitors.

Visit Qatar, in collaboration with national entities, will host the Doha International Military Music Festival (Doha Tattoo), welcoming international military bands. Preparations are also underway to host the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in Lusail City as part of the global T100 series.

Additionally, the Lusail International Circuit will host the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, supported by integrated transport, hospitality, and fan management plans in coordination with Visit Qatar. The season will also feature the Doha Film Festival organized by the Doha Film Institute.

In coordination with the Local Organizing Committee for Football Events, Visit Qatar is supporting the operational planning for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, in addition to the FIFA Continental Cup 2025.

These tournaments will take place across stadiums in Doha, Lusail, and Al Rayyan, ensuring full operational readiness in stadium services, fan reception, accommodation, ticketing, and international media logistics.

Qatar Tourism noted that with consistent performance throughout the first three quarters of the year and a unified national events calendar, the tourism sector continues to support the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) by contributing to economic diversification and expanding access to cultural, sporting, and leisure activities for both residents and visitors.

The winter season will extend into 2026, offering a range of cultural experiences across Qatar.

Key highlights include the second edition of "Sealine Season 2026" and "Brouq Events" in Ras Abrouq, as well as preparations for "Art Basel Qatar" at the National Museum of Qatar.

Under Visit Qatar's cultural and culinary programming, the Qatar International Food Festival and the Throwback Food Festival will be held, complemented by ongoing heritage, cultural, and family activities at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Al Bidda Park. (QNA)