Image used for representation only.
Doha, Qatar: Istanbul and London have seen increased travellers from Qatar this summer, but Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital has become a top destination for Qataris.
In May this year, the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) disclosed that international tourism was well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Irfan Omer, General Manager of Happy Dreams Travels, stated that Sarajevo’s natural beauty and heritage have appealed to travellers from Qatar. Known as the city where East meets West, Sarajevo is tucked inside a long, thin valley surrounded by forested mountains.
According to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy Qatar website, nationals of the State of Qatar are exempted from visa requirements when entering, exiting or travelling through Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days.
“Due to its natural beauty and old heritage, waterfalls, rivers and mountains, people like to book wooden cabins and enjoy the outdoors during summer,” Omer told The Peninsula, adding that Turkiye, London, Vienna, Paris and Germany all showed great bookings this summer.
Another attractive destination for Qataris and residents is Bangkok. Omer noted that “there was a huge demand for Bangkok which did very well. All the flights were running full.”
“Norway was also good with locals as they travelled to Oslo using the cruise ships for five to seven days Europe tours which pass through different cities as per itineraries,” he added.
Within the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC), Omer disclosed that the UAE has once again become a top spot, while the demand for Saudi Arabia for Umrah and tourism has increased. Bahrain has also seen a boost after relations and flights were restored.
“Things are moving in the right direction. Compared to last year, this summer was excellent. As a business, we have seen an increase of around 30 to 35% in our numbers to 2022’s market.”
Locally, water activities have been the top for tourists and residents alike this summer, with yacht rentals the most sought-after. Helicopter tours are also becoming popular on weekends, experts have said.
As part of Qatar’s diversification drive, tourism facilities have been overhauled and redeveloped to attract people from both in and outside the country. The country also enjoys 500km of sandy coastline — hence, yachts are never lacking at the docks.
Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa, Founder and Managing Director of Outing Qatar, a luxury tourism agency, told The Peninsula, “These days, we have a step up regarding the yacht charters. This is the most common regarding the residents and locals, and visitors. We have attended to so many who have sought this service.”
He added that former clients are also interested in booking for the upcoming Expo 2023. “Many are planning some businesses here, and they engage us to show their clients around the country to experience Qatar like never before.”
