Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker (second left), along with QT Head of Marketing and Planning, Sheikha Hessa Al Thani (left); QT’s new ambassador, Nasser Abdullah Al Attiyah (second right), and QT Director of Shared Services Department, Omar Al Jaber, during the “Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign press conference yesterday at Mina Hotel and Residences. Picture by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
An amazing roster of events and festivals has been announced for this winter by Qatar Tourism (QT) and Qatar Airways. The “Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign includes family-friendly activities, athletic events, concerts, and a treat for food, shopping, and jewellery enthusiasts.
The announcement was made yesterday in a press conference at Mina Hotel and Residences, led by QT Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, along with QT Director of Shared Services Department, Omar Al Jaber; and QT Head of Marketing and Planning, Sheikha Hessa Al Thani.
During the event, they also revealed Qatar Tourism’s new ambassador – Qatari rally driver Nasser Abdullah Al Attiyah – who recently won the Dakar Rally car crown for the fifth time.
Al Baker in his speech said that the build-up to the World Cup Qatar 2022 “introduced a variety of new openings, including hotels, shopping malls, public beaches and many more. All of which have strengthened and diversified the country’s hospitality, leisure and tourism landscapes.”
“Our country has captured the attention of the world and is now one of the most desirable destinations in the global tourism industry,” he noted.
As the country aims to welcome six million visitors annually by 2030, Al Baker explained that they look forward to the year ahead and the new and exciting chapter for tourism. “As Qatar moves to the next part of its story, it does so as a country firmly rooted to its traditional heritage and culture with eyes looking forward to the future.”
The “Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign is a seasonal extension of QT’s central “Feel more in Qatar” brand platform which seeks to solidify the country’s position as the Middle East’s top destination for families, Qatar’s cool weather, abundant natural beauty and unrivalled leisure and entertainment offerings make the country the perfect choice for an extended holiday, a short getaway and a winter break, the Group Chief Executive explained.
Yesterday’s announcement was accompanied by the launch of the third Qatar Balloon Festival, another part of the winter campaign. More than 50 hot air balloons from 17 different nations will be on display for the next nine days, or until January 28.
Hot air balloons were unable to fly due to yesterday’s strong winds, but giant illuminated kites were featured instead which will be on display daily too. Along with this, there is also live entertainment and scrumptious food trucks and booths for all.
The festival is happening in the green area of Doha Port, in front of the Grand Cruise Terminal.
The 2023 winter campaign offers a full calendar of activities for everyone. Qatar Live, which runs from January 26 to the end of the season, is one of the events on the schedule. The event will feature live performances by well-known local, regional, and worldwide performers.
From January 26 to January 28, Disney Princess Concert will be held at Katara Ampitheatre, where some of Broadway and West End’s most celebrated artists will perform this unique tribute to Disney Princesses alongside a live orchestral performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
By the end of this month, the Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 will take place at Fuwairit Kite Beach, from January 31 to February 4. The Qatar TotalEnergies Open (tennis) is back from February 13 to 18; and while still on tennis, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open will take place from February 20 to 25.
Both tournaments will be held at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition returns from February 20 to 23 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. It will feature luxury watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, diamonds, gold and silverware from 500 brands.
Al Shaqab will host breath taking equestrian events: Hayaakum at Shaqab, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2023 events from February 23 to 25.
Calling on food lovers as the 12th Qatar International Food Festival which celebrates the country’s diverse food, beverage and hospitality offerings will take place from March 1 to 11 at Hotel Park.
Qatar Tourism’s “Shop Qatar” is also back from March 1 to 18. It will be held in and around well-known Doha shopping malls and showcases the nation’s extensive selection of retail, beauty, and entertainment offerings.
Ramadan Bazaar is the culmination of the winter campaign where visitors and residents can spend their evening, after breaking the fast, with family-friendly activities around Qatar. More details of this event will be later announced, said Qatar Tourism.
