Qatar’s success story during FIFA world Cup 2022: Role of travel demand management and impact on travel behavior

• Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 showcased effective Travel Demand Management (TDM) measures for sustainable urban mobility. • The event saw increased public transport use and reduced car usage. • Key interventions included fare discounts and school closures. • Tailored TDM approaches are needed for different demographics. • Future research should explore long-term TDM impacts. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (FWC2022) presented transportation challenges for host cities, prompting Qatar to implement extensive Travel Demand Management (TDM) measures. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies in managing travel demand and influencing resident behavior during the event, offering valuable insights for future urban mobility initiatives. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative public transport ridership analysis with qualitative resident surveys. We observed a 73% increase in metro ridership and a reduction of 2.8 car trips per week, demonstrating a shift in travel preferences during the FIFA World Cup 2022 (FWC2022). Public transport fare discounts (60% rated highly influential) and temporary school closures (62%) were particularly effective. The findings indicate that 66% of respondents expressed a willingness to maintain their travel changes post-FWC2022 if TDM measures, like lower fares and extended public transport hours, continue. The scalability of these insights to other developing countries is promising, as many urban areas face similar challenges, including congestion and inadequate public transport. The FWC2022 experience highlights the importance of context-specific TDM strategies that consider local demographics and infrastructure. By fostering a culture of sustainable mobility, cities can adopt flexible approaches to accommodate unique commuting patterns and improve transport systems for future mega-events. Our study acknowledges limitations, including the exclusion of tourist behavior and reliance on self-reported data, which highlights the need for further research to include pre-post studies and more objective data collection methods. Future work should also explore promoting alternative transportation options and develop mobility strategies tailored to distinct population segments.