Demand for Middle East Tourism

The Middle East does not typically come to mind as a place in high demand for international tourism however Qatar is trying to break away from that stereotype. In September 2005 Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host World Tourism Day. Part of the celebration will include Qatar’s first National Tourism Conference as well as other events. Several weeks after hosting World Tourism Day, Qatar was awarded in the 12th Annual World Travel Awards for the Middle East’s leading Tourist and Convention Bureau. “'The prominence of Qatar as a quality destination, for leisure, business, education, sports…is becoming ever more apparent.” However, according to Nader Habibi of Global Insight it is possible that the supply for tourism in Qatar as well as other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, and Oman) may soon outweigh the demand, and that all countries in the region should work together to maximize the potential of the region.
Just this month, Qatar was again being discussed in the news. They will be host to the 15th Asian Games this year, and are again discussing the plans that lie ahead for the continued building of tourism in the country.