File photo of Shop Qatar festivities at Mall of Qatar used for representation.
Tourism sector is set to get boost in this winter season. Many sun-seeking tourists, from countries under the grip of harsh winter, looking for warmer climates will head to Qatar this season, say travel agents. Many initiatives taken by the concerned authorities to encourage tourism has also made it easier for tourists to visit Qatar.
“This winter will definitely be better than previous winters for Qatar tourism sector as many positive steps were taken by the concerned authorities this year. I am expecting more number of tourists coming to Qatar this season compared to previous years. I have received many queries from groups from Czech Republic and Russia,” James De Silva, Sales and Holiday In-charge, NBK Travel and Tourism told The Peninsula.
“Qatar is a very good destinations for tourists from countries that are currently under the grip of harsh winter. Beautiful beaches, traditional places and activities like desert safari which will make their trip memorable,” he added.
Tourism will get a further boost by the aggressive expansion by Qatar Airways which has connected many cities in Europe and other continents to Doha. The national carrier of Qatar currently operates 42 flights from Italy, 15 flights from Russia, seven flights from the Czech Republic and seven flights from Ukraine per week. The award-winning airline had launched direct flights to Russia’s St Petersburg recently.
“Qatar is a perfect winter sun destination for many travelers across Europe, Ukraine and Russia. The tourist friendly steps by the authorities has made Qatar more attractive to tourists,” a senior official of Tour and Travel company told The Peninsula.
In August this year, Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways allowed nationals from more than 80 countries the visa-free entry to the country making it the most open country in the region.
Citizens of these 80 countries wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Discover Qatar, the destination management company arm of Qatar Airways, had signed exclusive partnership agreements with four of the world’s major tour operators in Russia, Italy, Czech Republic and Ukraine, last month in order to promote Qatar as a major tourist destination, which will further increase flow of tourist in the country.
“Alongside lovely winter weather, there are some superb beach hotels to cater for the Russian sun-seeker. Additionally there are many unique cultural experiences. We believe the destination will be a great attraction for Russian visitors,” Chief Executive of Russian tour operator Space Travel, Artur Muradyan had commented earlier. In May, QA had launched a stopover package for transit passengers which includes free luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas.
