Ambassador of Ecuador, H E Pascual Del Cioppo. Pic: Salim Matramokot / The Peninsula
Doha: Ecuador football fans have shown an increased interest in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as their country is scheduled to play against Qatar at the official opening of the tournament, said Ambassador of Ecuador, H E Pascual Del Cioppo.
The opening match of the World Cup will see host Qatar play against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 21. Initially, about 1,500 Ecuadorians have enquired and showed interest to visit Qatar for the football fiesta. However, since the World Cup draw, that number has increased to 4,000, Del Cioppo told The Peninsula.
“There is a growing interest from fans to come for the World Cup and we expect it to grow by three or more times. We are trying to facilitate them to choose the right accommodation and also guide them about the country’s regulations and culture,” he said.
Del Cioppo also expressed his excitement on the qualification of the Ecuadorian team for Qatar 2022 and said that he is looking forward to an exceptional tournament. He hailed Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s preparations to host the tournament and said that Qatar has done a tremendous and impressive job in preparing.
Del Cioppo said Qatar has dealt very seriously with all the organisational aspects of the tournament in terms of public transportation, stadiums design and environment protection as well as in receiving fans.
“I’m very excited and I’m impressed with Qatar’s organisation. I’ve been to FIFA World Cup tournaments held in other countries, but haven’t seen this much good of organisation there,” he said. This will be Ecuador’s fourth World Cup appearance, with its last appearance in 2014. Del Cioppo said that preparations are being made for the Ecuador national team to arrive in Qatar. Answering a query about direct flights, Del Cioppo said that talks are being held with Qatar Airways to introduce flights to Ecuador. “We can even function as a hub to bring fans from South America to Doha,” he added.
Del Cioppo also emphasized that World Cup will open the doors for fans to see Qatar as a tourist destination and a real estate spot for Ecuadorian and other countries in the future.
He explained that Qatar being a safe country and emerging as a hub for international summits, exhibitions, cultural and sporting events and investments will continue to attract tourists and visitors beyond 2022.
“With the World Cup, Qatar will remain as a country with best infrastructure, hotels and hospitality experience,” he said.
