Qatar’s tourism sector has begun 2025 with impressive momentum, welcoming more than 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter, according to official figures released this month. This figure, while slightly below the 1.6 million arrivals recorded in the same period last year, highlights the country’s sustained appeal and its successful efforts to position itself as a global travel destination.

The robust numbers come as part of a broader, long-term tourism strategy that leverages major events, strategic partnerships, and a diverse mix of destination experiences to attract travelers from around the world.

A closer look at the visitor demographics reveals Qatar’s broad international reach. In Q1 2025, 36 percent of arrivals were from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, 28 percent from Europe, and 20 percent from Asia and Oceania. This balanced mix underscores the success of targeted marketing and ongoing efforts to diversify source markets beyond the region.

The country’s multi-access approach is also evident, with 51 percent of visitors arriving by air, 34 percent by land, and 15 percent by sea, reflecting the effectiveness of investments in aviation, road, and cruise infrastructure.

The Eid Al-Fitr holiday period was a particular highlight, with Qatar welcoming 214,000 visitors over eight days-a 26 percent increase compared to 2024 and the highest holiday figure in three years. Nearly half of these holidaymakers were from GCC nations, marking an 18 percent year-on-year rise from this key market.

Hotel occupancy during Eid soared to 77 percent, up from 67 percent last year, while the overall Q1 average was 71 percent with 2.6 million room nights sold. This surge in demand was driven in part by a packed events calendar, including the globally renowned Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, and the Qatar International Food Festival, all of which attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees and boosted hospitality revenues.

On the cruise front, Qatar’s 2024/2025 season saw 87 ship calls, up 19 percent from the previous year, and over 360,000 cruise visitors, marking a 4 percent annual increase. These figures underscore the country’s growing reputation as a regional cruise hub and its ongoing investment in port infrastructure and services.

The government is also making significant strides in diversifying its tourism offerings, with projects like the Simaisma development-a massive QR20 billion project featuring a theme park, luxury resorts, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht marina, and high-end retail and dining-aimed at establishing Qatar as a premier global destination.

Looking ahead, industry analysts forecast a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase in arrivals for 2025, projecting a record 5.3 million visitors-up from 5.1 million in 2024. This growth is expected to be sustained through 2029, with arrivals projected to reach 5.7 million by the end of the decade, supported by strong demand from key markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, the UK, and the US.

Government and private sector initiatives continue to play a pivotal role, with new attractions, digital innovations, and expanded international cooperation, such as the recent tourism roadshow with Moscow and the launch of 14 weekly direct flights between Doha and Moscow.

Qatar’s long-term vision is clear: to position itself as a leading year-round destination and a central player in the global tourism landscape. The country’s third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) identifies tourism as a key pillar for economic diversification, with the ambitious goal of attracting six million visitors annually by 2030.

“The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development,” said Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism. “We are excited to have welcomed 1.5 million in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year,” he added.

With a dynamic events calendar, ongoing infrastructure development, and a relentless focus on visitor experience, Qatar is well on its way to achieving its tourism milestones. The country’s strategic investments, world-class events, and ambitious development projects are reinforcing its status as a leading global destination and a key player in the international tourism landscape.

In summary, Qatar’s tourism sector is not only recovering from the pandemic but is now entering a new phase of sustainable, diversified growth. The country’s strategic investments, world-class events, and ambitious development projects are reinforcing its status as a leading global destination and a key player in the international tourism landscape.

Turkish Airlines is close to securing a significant investment in the financially troubled Spanish carrier Air Europa, positioning itself as the leading bidder amid recent withdrawals by other major aviation groups. According to reports by Spanish newspaper El Español and aviation news sources, Turkish Airlines is advancing rapidly in negotiations with Air Europa’s parent company, Globalia, with a deal possibly imminent. The stake discussed is believed to be around 25%, which would infuse approximately EUR 240 million (USD 275 million) of fresh capital into Air Europa.

Air Europa, owned 80% by Globalia and 20% by International Airlines Group (IAG), has attracted interest from various European giants, including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. However, Air France-KLM has formally withdrawn from the bidding process, citing an inability to reach agreement with Globalia, although it continues its operational partnership with Air Europa as a fellow SkyTeam member.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed ongoing but challenging talks, describing the acquisition as “very difficult to get... to succeed.” Lufthansa has also ended its bid recently, leaving Turkish Airlines as the sole known contender.

The Turkish investment bid is strategic, enabling access to Madrid’s hub—Air Europa’s base—which offers valuable routes across Europe, Latin America, and transatlantic connections. This move aligns with Turkish Airlines’ ambition to bolster its European footprint and extend reach to Latin American destinations such as Miami, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo.

Analysts view the investment as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity given Air Europa’s precarious financials, including a looming repayment of EUR 475 million (USD 550 million) in pandemic-era government loans, alongside regulatory and operational uncertainties.

In parallel to seeking outside investment, Air Europa is negotiating a new loan worth about EUR 140 million (USD 160 million) with major Spanish banks to support its capital needs and manage its debt burden. The fresh capital from the potential Turkish Airlines stake combined with credit lines is seen as critical for stabilizing the airline’s finances.

While Turkish Airlines and Globalia have declined to comment publicly, these developments signal a potential significant shift in European aviation cross-border consolidation. If successful, Turkish Airlines would become a strategic partner in reorganizing Air Europa’s future, leveraging Madrid’s key geographic position to enhance connectivity across multiple continents.

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, is set to strengthen its connectivity between the UAE and Thailand with the launch of a third daily flight to Bangkok. Starting October 26, 2025, travelers will enjoy more flexible and convenient options as the airline adds an additional daily service between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

This expansion to three daily flights highlights Air Arabia’s commitment to meeting growing passenger demand and enhancing travel experiences on this popular route. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized that the move not only caters to customers’ travel needs but also supports the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand.

The new schedule offers a mix of morning, afternoon, and late-night departures to provide travelers with greater choice and convenience. On the ground, Air Arabia’s modern fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft ensures efficient and comfortable flights. Passengers benefit from spacious seating, in-flight entertainment via the complimentary 'SkyTime' streaming service, and the ‘SkyCafe’ menu of onboard meals. Additionally, the airline’s ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program offers some of the most generous benefits in the region.

Bangkok, a vibrant destination renowned for its rich culture and bustling urban life, remains a favorite among UAE residents for both leisure and business. The added flight capacity is expected to boost tourism and economic engagement between the two regions further.

Customers can now book the newly expanded flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, making it easier than ever to explore this dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia.

Flight schedule effective October 26, 2025 (all times local):

• G9 816: Sharjah 07:40 → Bangkok 16:55 (daily)
• G9 817: Bangkok 17:55 → Sharjah 21:55 (daily)
• G9 821: Sharjah 21:55 → Bangkok 07:10 (daily)
• G9 822: Bangkok 08:00 → Sharjah 12:00 (daily)
• G9 823: Sharjah 01:15 → Bangkok 10:30 (daily)
• G9 824: Bangkok 11:30 → Sharjah 15:30 (daily) 

This strategic increase in flight frequency solidifies Air Arabia's role as a key player in enhancing UAE-Thailand connectivity, offering affordable, reliable, and customer-focused air travel in the region.

Etihad Airways has taken a dramatic leap in redefining short and medium-haul air travel, launching the first commercial flight of its all-new Airbus A321LR. Departing from Zayed International Airport to Phuket, this debut flight marks a milestone: widebody luxury is now available on a single-aisle aircraft, and the inaugural journey sold out across First, Business, and Economy classes.

The new A321LR brings Etihad’s famed premium experience previously reserved for its largest aircraft to a next-generation single-aisle jet. This sets a new benchmark for travelers seeking exclusivity typically found only on long-haul routes.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, described the A321LR as “our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.”

The cabin features include:

First Suites: Two fully enclosed, private suites with sliding doors, 20-inch 4K screens, flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing, and space for companion dining that reflect the airline’s award-winning service and attention to detail.

Business Class: Fourteen lie-flat seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, each equipped with a 17.3-inch 4K display, wireless charging, direct aisle access, and window views.

Economy Class: 144 ergonomically designed seats with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity, ensuring premium entertainment access for all passengers.
All cabins benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi supporting video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, along with enlarged overhead bins to enhance convenience throughout the journey.

 The A321LR’s introduction marks the first of 30 such aircraft Etihad is set to add to its fleet, each configured to raise standards for regional air travel.

With this launch, Etihad continues to combine design innovation with service excellence, elevating comfort and style across every flight, no matter the distance.

Flying in and out of Cape Town just got even more convenient this summer as international airlines ramp up their schedules to the Mother City. Qatar Airways, recently voted the World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time in 2025 by Skytrax, is adding two extra weekly flights from Doha, upping their total to 12 weekly services. This near double-daily frequency promises greater flexibility and potentially more competitive fares for travellers.

A highlight for tech-savvy flyers: Boeing 777 flights are fitted with Starlink, offering free in-flight internet access to stream Netflix and more while deciding between chicken or beef meals.

But Qatar is not alone in expanding; Norse Atlantic Airways, which launched its inaugural Cape Town flights last year, is back with increased service. Starting October 28, 2025, Norse will resume its seasonal route to London Gatwick with three weekly flights, scaling up to four weekly from December 2025 through April 2026. This route, serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offers budget-conscious travellers direct access to and from the UK with increased frequency and ease.

Meanwhile, French connection lovers have cause to celebrate as Air France returns with seasonal flights between Paris and Cape Town. From mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, it will operate daily services connecting these two iconic cities.

For those dreaming of tropical paradise, South African Airways is launching non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius starting December 9, 2025. This new route offers a direct escape to sandy beaches and turquoise waters without the need to transit through Johannesburg.

With these enhanced offerings from major global airlines, Cape Town is poised to become an even more accessible and attractive destination for international travellers during the summer season and beyond.

For the first time, Air New Zealand’s iconic koru logo will land in Nova Scotia, as the airline’s latest Airbus A321neo forgoes its usual route through the Middle East, opting for a transatlantic trek fueled by shifting global tensions and logistical opportunity.

When Air New Zealand acquires new aircraft from Airbus’s German factories, delivery flights have traditionally threaded through aviation hubs in the Middle East and Asia common pitstops include Oman, Malaysia, and Australia. But ongoing hostilities and rising risk near Iran and Israel have forced the carrier to chart an entirely different path.

This week, the carrier’s shiny new A321neo (registration ZK-NNI) will swap its routine desert stopovers for the unfamiliar runways of Halifax, Canada, marking a historic first for the airline.

The geopolitical tremors shaking the Strait of Hormuz led Air NZ to reroute. While the skies above Dubai and Doha still thrum with flight traffic, the airline’s chief safety and risk officer, Nathan McGraw, says the ongoing unpredictability in the region isn’t worth the gamble.

“We continuously conduct risk and safety assessments for our flights and with the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, and some airspace restrictions, we made the decision to fly the aircraft home via Canada and the United States,” says McGraw.

Choosing North America wasn’t just about safety. Air NZ has daily operations in North America, giving the carrier a reliable support network for its newest jet.

Some delivery flights in recent years have stopped in Gander, Newfoundland—the small Canadian airport immortalized in the musical Come From Away. This time, Halifax gets the nod. McGraw points to Swissport, a trusted ground handler already stationed in Halifax, and the carrier’s existing presence in Vancouver, as logistical reasons for the switch.

Navigating the North Atlantic’s buzzing flight paths, Air NZ relies on advanced planning software to map the most efficient route. “It’s like a highway in the sky, with several lanes of traffic,” McGraw explains. “Our tool, FlightKeys, picks the best track factoring in winds, fuel, and traffic, helping us cross over safely to Halifax.”
The new route stretches 21,078 km—about 1,000 km longer than the familiar Muscat-to-Auckland journey. That solitary stretch means burning an additional 2.7 tonnes of fuel. “We’ll be carrying a full tank for each leg—except the shortest, between Samoa and Auckland,” states McGraw.

Getting the plane home takes nearly a week due to mandatory rest periods. The trip starts with four pilots from Hamburg to Halifax, then three pilots cover the remaining legs, stopping in Vancouver, Honolulu, Apia, and finally landing in Auckland. Alongside the crew, only engineers and a programme manager hitch a ride, as the jet’s empty cabin speeds climbs and eases logistics.

As the A321neo arcs over unfamiliar North American skies and touches down in the maritime chill of Nova Scotia, Air New Zealand reaffirms its deep commitment to safety—even if it means rewriting the flight plan. With its homeland in sight at the end of a longer journey, this latest delivery flight is a high-tech testament to adapting in an unpredictable world.