Qatar Tourism is set to represent the State of Qatar at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) in London, leading a delegation of 42 esteemed hospitality and corporate partners. Taking place from 6 - 8 November at ExCeL London, WTM 2023 will bring together more than 51,000 senior travel industry professionals, distinguished speakers, and representatives from global tourism boards to explore the latest industry trends.   Spread over 609 sqm, the two-story Qatari pavilion will showcase the destination’s one-of-a-kind attractions, while demonstrating the country’s unique blend of modernity and cultural authenticity.   His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “We are pleased to return to WTM London this year to showcase Qatar’s sustained momentum following the world’s biggest sporting event in 2022 as well as the country’s expanded tourism offering, which includes new hotels and resorts, as well as our latest promotional campaigns and tourism products. The UK is a key source market for international visitors to Qatar and we look forward to connecting with our valued stakeholders during WTM.”   Qatar Tourism’s pavilion will feature a range of immersive experiences including a Whale Shark activation which will allow visitors to step into an oceanic enclave to witness the beauty of this endangered species up close. In addition, the Dynamic Souq Experience will transport visitors to a bustling traditional market with real-time sights and sounds from one of Qatar’s most popular tourist attractions, Souq Waqif. By utilising cutting-edge projection mapping technology, the booth's windows will serve as portals to the authentic exteriors of the Souq.   Visitors can also enjoy a fully immersive room with panoramic views of iconic destinations across Qatar. Within this space, visitors can explore and interact with Qatar's distinctive tourism offerings in real-time.   To shine a spotlight on Qatar's heritage, this year's pavilion will incorporate a dedicated cultural area where visitors can receive personalised Arabic calligraphy gifts, savour traditional Arabic coffee, and apply henna art by skilled artists.   This year's booth will see 39 hospitality partners and three corporate partners including Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways, and Expo 2023 Doha.   WTM London is the premier global event for the travel industry, where leaders, buyers, and companies gather to network, negotiate, and discover the latest industry trends.

 

Qatar has year-round sunshine as well as an incredible array of new attractions that will ensure all types of holidaymakers can have the winter break of a lifetime

  For some parts of the world, the start of the new year is a time of dark mornings and cold weather. For others, it is the beginning of shorter nights and sunnier days - but for both, returning to normal life after the holiday season can lead to a very real phenomenon known as the January blues. For those on the hunt for a cure, Qatar provides the perfect escape. With beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and regular flights to most countries in the world, it really does make for an easy and appealing winter getaway.   Now is a particularly exciting time to visit Qatar, after the culmination of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Holidaymakers can now enjoy all the state-of-the-art hotels, theme parks, beaches and cultural attractions that opened in advance of the tournament for visiting fans.   Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar is an excellent vacation for some winter sun, with new and exciting activities offering to start off the new year. The World Cup put Qatar on the map and fans from all over had a fantastic time experiencing Qatar’s culture, so we want to bottle up that excitement and offer new travellers a taste of what we can offer.”   Qatar offers ultimate flexibility for those looking to book a trip in the sun: it is a great choice no matter whether a traveller is looking for relaxation, adventure, romance or culture. Below, Qatar Tourism has grouped together some of the newest attractions, openings and activities for each type of holidaymaker.   Beaches, beach clubs and spas Feel more serene   For tourists looking for true relaxation, Qatar has it all. From three stunning new beaches opened in the heart of Doha’s West Bay district in November 2022, to the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which features the only ESPA Life Spa in the Middle East, there are endless ways to unwind. Other recent openings include NAMMOS Qatar, set on Al Maha Island’s coast, SUSHISAMBA Doha (the brand’s signature restaurant and very first beach club) and The Ned Doha, which features Ned’s Club Spa alongside a gorgeous outdoor relaxation area and pool.   Waterparks, theme parks and family fun Feel more thrills   Adventure-seeking families will have their choice of activities in Qatar. Lusail Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly park situated on Al Maha Island. Open until April 30, Lusail Winter Wonderland is jam-packed with more than 50 thrilling rides, including the country’s tallest Ferris wheel at 150ft and the region’s first outdoor ice-skating rink – not something you can normally do under blue skies! In addition to the country’s popular Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park with its 56 rides and slides, a new waterpark situated on Qetaifan Island North will open this year and provide an alternative option for families looking for a splash. It will be home to 36 different rides and the highest water slide tower in the world. For a sportier vacation, families can opt to stay at Fuwairit Kite Beach, the new state-of-the-art kitesurfing resort just north of Doha.   World-class hotels, romantic dinners and spontaneous treats Feel more love   For those looking to book a luxurious trip away, the hotels, dining options and shopping opportunities in Qatar are second to none. Indulge in a stay at the iconic Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha in Lusail, or opt for green tranquillity and privacy at Katara Hills LXR Hotels – an array of 15 serene villas inspired by Scandinavian design that overlook Katara Cultural Village. For couples looking to re-connect outside the hustle and bustle of the city, The Outpost Al-Barari is situated in the Inland Sea nature reserve and offers 21 luxury lodges, close-to-nature experiences and private pools. Qatar also hosts some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, which are the perfect place for a dinner out – recent openings include Zuma, LPM Restaurant & Bar, Billionaire Doha and Carbone Doha. In addition, Qatar is home to prestigious Parisian department store Printemps Doha, which opened in November 2022: the perfect place to treat your other half.   Events, exhibitions and sport Feel more culture   In addition to the recently reopened Museum of Islamic Art and iconic National Museum of Qatar, visitors looking to explore their cultural side will find no shortage of new things to do in Doha. More than 30,000 visitors from around 175 countries are expected to attend the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2023, which will be held from 20-25 February. For those still keen to get their football fix, World of Football, an exhibition at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, runs until April 1. Fashion enthusiasts should not miss Maison Valentino’s homage to its founder, Valentino Garavani, with its largest ever exhibition and first presentation in the Middle East, hosted in Msheireb Downtown Doha until April 1.   Alongside substantial cultural offerings and building on the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar will be hosting a string of sporting events in the coming months, including the ExxonMobil Open in February, an ATP Tour tennis event, and the ASIAN TOUR International Series Qatar, from 16 - 19 February 2023.   The mere act of planning and booking a short vacation can provide the mood booster needed to halt the New Year blues. Plan a trip to Qatar today at www.visitqatar.com and find out more about what’s coming up in Qatar at https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar.

Qatar Tourism and Trip.com Group signed an agreement to promote Qatar globally as a family-friendly destination. The one-year partnership will see Qatar promoted through marketing campaigns, across the Group's platforms. These include Ctrip.com (China), Trip.com (global), MakeMyTrip.com (India), and Skyscanner.com (global). Chairman of Qatar Tourism Akbar Al Baker, said: "We believe that this new partnership will further promote Qatar as the Middle East's ultimate destination choice for families." Co-founder of Trip.com Group, James Liang, added: "This month, the World Cup arrives, offering tourists a family-friendly atmosphere to understand this unique destination.” “To sustain awareness for Qatar, Trip.com Group will utilise its strong brands and compelling content marketing capabilities."

  Qatar Tourism has announced that the number of visitors to the state rose to a record breaking 151,000 visitors in July – the largest number of arrivals during a summer month since 2017 and representing a 297 per cent increase year-on-year.   Qatar has also updated its Covid-19 requirements for incoming travellers making travel even easier for those preparing to visit for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November – removing its red travel list and mask mandate. Visitors to Qatar should present a negative PCR test result, valid for 48 hours, or a negative rapid antigen test result, valid for 24 hours.   The news comes following the launch of Qatar Tourism’s new stopover campaign featuring David Beckham, as the country prepares to welcome 1.2 million visitors for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 later this year. In the lead up to kick off, Qatar is adding 105 new hotels and serviced apartments to its already extensive portfolio of properties. New hotels include the recently opened Pullman Doha West Bay (opened 1 August) and The Double Tree by Hilton Downtown Hotel (opened 1 August), as well as the upcoming The Outpost Al Barari (opening November) and Katara Hills LXR Hotels & Resorts with 15 luxury villas each with private pools (opening October).   Other major upcoming tourism developments in the country include the Doha Winter Wonderland, a sister event to the famous Hyde Park event, Fuwairit Kite Beach – a state-of-the-art kitesurfing resort, Qetaifan Island North – dubbed the first “Entertainment Island” in Qatar, and West Bay North Beach Project – a new premium beachfront in the heart of Doha. The latest in a flurry of new resort and attraction openings in Qatar over the last couple of years.

  From exploring the winding spice markets of Souq Waqif, soaking up local street art, cooking tacos, camping in the desert, and sightseeing around Doha by motorbike, Beckham accompanies local personalities to discover a country of countless surprises.   The world’s best value stopover packages   More than 80% of the world’s population live within a six-hour flight from Qatar, making the destination an excellent place to turn a stopover into a mini break. Through this new campaign, Qatar Tourism seeks to raise awareness of the world’s best value stopover packages, which are on offer from Qatar Airways. Packages start from £12 per person per night for a 4-star hotel, and £17 per person for a five-star hotel. Holidaymakers can book now at www.qatarairways.com/stopover   Qatar Tourism’s through-the-line campaign will see content across digital advertising, social media channels, Qatar Tourism’s website, and selected partners. The campaign video will also be hosted on Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system Oryx.   Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome David to Qatar, where he has immersed himself in the culture and experienced first-hand the warm hospitality of the people. I encourage the millions who transit through Qatar every year to follow in David’s footsteps and create their own exciting adventure and memories. We have something for everyone at incredible value, whether it’s sun, sea, sand, rich heritage and culture, surprising nature, or a modern and fun city break.”   David Beckham said, “Qatar has surprised me with a wide range of great experiences you can have in just 48 hours. The people are warm and welcoming, and it is a great place to spend a few days.”   He added: “The people of Qatar are really passionate about their culture and the mix of modern and traditional creates something really special. I saw so much during my trip from spice markets to museums to enjoying a ride on my motorbike, which was one of the highlights.”   During his tour of Qatar David went on adventures with the following people:  

1. Chef Noor Al Mazroei, Chef at Rosado Café, took David on a tour of the spice market in Souq Waqif
2. Saad Ismail Al Jassim, one of Qatar’s last legendary pearl divers, gave David a lesson in the country’s historic primary industry of pearling, before the discovery of oil and gas
3. Abdulaziz Yousef, a Qatari artist, showed David around Souq Waqif’s Art Centre
4. Chef Aquiles Chaves, a visiting chef and television personality from Mexico, helped David cook tacos fused with Qatari flavours
5. Sheikha Reem Al Thani, Director of Exhibitions at National Museum of Qatar, accompanied David as he explored one of Qatar’s most iconic museums
6. Khalid & Majid, Qatari falcon trainers, greeted David at a desert camp near Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea
7. Saeed Al Sulaiti, Qatari Motorcycle Champion, rode with David around The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island with shops, hotels and colourful residential neighbourhoods
8. Hamida Issa Al Kuwari, a Qatari filmmaker, guided David through Katara Cultural Village, Qatar’s go-to destination for art, food, and culture
9. Khalid Al Hamadi, dhow & Qatari Marine Expert, accompanied David aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat

 

• H1 2022 international arrivals (729 k) are 19% higher than full-year 2021 (611 k)
• June 2022 welcomed 149 k visitors, marking the highest visitation to Qatar in the summer month in the last 5 years
• Qatar ended the winter cruise season (Dec’21-Jun’22) with 101 k cruise passengers
• Positive rebound in room demand with 3.1 M rooms sold in H1 2022, close to pre-pandemic levels
• Hotel revenues surge past H1 2021

  Qatar’s tourism sector continues to witness a strong recovery with more than 729,000 international visitors choosing Qatar as a destination in the first half of 2022, marking a 19% increase compared to the full year of 2021.   Qatar’s tourism sector continues to witness a strong recovery with more than 729,000 international visitors choosing Qatar as a destination in the first half of 2022, marking a 19% increase compared to the full year of 2021.   Qatar witnessed robust international visitation in June 2022, with 149,000 visitors, marking the highest visitation in the summer month in the last 5 years. 34% of the total visitors entered by Land (51,000), 6% by Sea (10,000), and 59% by Air (88,000) via Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, which was recently voted the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for the second year in a row.   Regional markets delivered impressive tourism volumes, as the most significant inbound markets to Qatar in June are KSA (26%), India (10%), USA (5%), Oman (5%), UK (4%), UAE (4%) and Kuwait (4%).   The month of June also marked the end of Qatar’s winter cruise season, which ran from December 2021 to June 2022. During the season, Qatar welcomed 101,000 cruise ship visitors, with 34 cruise ship calls. This is approximately 12% of the total arrivals during the same period of last year.   Qatar’s hospitality also sector saw a positive return with 3.1 million room-nights sold by June 2022 vs. the 3.2 million room nights sold by June 2019 (pre-pandemic levels), as room supply increases steadily to 30,000 keys by June 2022. The total hotel sector revenue is also up by 17% in June 2022 vs. June 2021, split across Room (51%), F&B (39%), and others (10%). Despite the normally slower demand during summer months, 542,000 room nights were sold in June 2022.   Commenting on the spike in tourism figures this year, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Over the first half of the year, we witnessed a 19% increase in the number of international arrivals compared to full year 2021 and are expecting an even stronger second half, as this is a legacy year for Qatar as the host of the first-ever FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ tournament in the Arab world and the Middle East. To accommodate this growth, we are expecting 50 hotels to open by the end of the year, as well as the launch of several world-class tourism attractions, such as kite beach resorts and Lusail Winter Wonderland.”   He added: “It is evident that Qatar is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world and what we have witnessed during the past ten years in terms of infrastructure development - with new hospitality, retail, cultural and educational facilities - is a clear indicator of what we can achieve. Attracting more visitors and achieving our goals will lead to more investment in Qatar's tourism sector.”   Qatar Tourism works closely with public and private sector partners to collaborate and develop products and experiences that help reinforce Qatar’s position as a preferred visitor destination. From hosting Qatar's most anticipated exhibition, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE), to Eid festivities, Summer Campaigns, and major sporting events such as the upcoming Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, Qatar Tourism works with partners to ensure fun-filled entertainment and memorable experiences are available for residents and visitors all year round.   For up-to-date information on events in Qatar, visit Qatarcalendar.com or follow @qatarcalendar on Facebook and Instagram.

 

• Qatar Tourism reveals best ways to experience Qatar on a value budget

  With more than one million visitors set to visit Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, fans should be rest assured that incredible experiences, local culture, food and flavours are all available at fantastic value for money – or even for free.   With more than one million visitors set to visit Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, fans should be rest assured that incredible experiences, local culture, food and flavours are all available at fantastic value for money – or even for free.   Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar is easy and exciting to explore without breaking the bank. All visitors will find a raft of inexpensive restaurants, transport options, activities, and lots of attractions to enjoy either for free or at great value. Qatar is one of the safest destinations in the world, centred around the warm hospitality characteristic of the local culture.”   THINGS TO DO FOR FREE  

• Picnics at the park: Qatar has numerous lush green parks – the perfect place for a family stroll and a picnic. Aspire Park has lakes, kid’s play areas and views of the 300-metre Torch Tower. Al Bidda Park stretches down the coastline and has many sporting activities on offer, along with rentable barbecue spaces. Adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art is MIA Park with the best vantage point of the Doha skyline. The small but stunning Onaiza Park has a pretty garden area and winding walking track.
• Public beaches: Those willing to venture 1hr 20 mins outside Doha should seek out Fuwairit Beach for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Fuwairit Beach is a hotspot for kitesurfers and home to a hatching site for the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles. Closer to the capital is Sealine Beach, in the desert dunes of the south, or Katara Beach, inside Katara Cultural Village within Doha itself. For a list of the top public beaches visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/get-inspired/the-top-public-beaches-in-qatar
• Soak up the culture: Katara Cultural Village has a stunning beach promenade, an impressive open-air amphitheatre, and a network of exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities. Souq Waqif is the country’s bustling traditional marketplace, offering souvenirs, spices, and numerous budget-friendly food options. The newly developed Msheireb and Education City districts each provide a free tram service to tour the wonderous avant-garde architecture for a dose of how the past meets the present in Qatari design and culture. The latter also houses the Qatar National Library with its intriguing paper plane design, while Msheireb has museums that celebrate the history of four heritage houses.

  HAGGLE FOR A BARGAIN   In Qatar’s souqs, or markets, a friendly bit of haggling is expected to find the right price for both parties. The iconic Souq Waqif, in the oldest part of Doha, offers numerous shops and stalls. Popular items for sale include pashmina shawls and scarves, oud wood or oil, dates and spices, intricate wooden boxes, Dalla Arabian pots for coffee, and modern jewellery at the suitably entitled Gold Souq. Visitors can also haggle when booking a cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat, which are lined up along the Corniche and provide a relaxing way to watch the sunset.   EAT WELL FOR LESS   Qatar offers a wide range of local and international cuisine and being on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on quality and flavour.   Shay Al Shomous is a restaurant run by a renowned Qatari woman called Shams Al Qassabi, who was the first businesswoman to open a shop in Souq Waqif. All menu items are priced under 7 USD,  so it is easy to sample a large assortment of authentic Qatari food.   Chapati & Karak is an establishment in Katara Cultural Village, serving local tea for less than 2 USD. This sweet karak tea is an Indian drink now deeply rooted in Qatari culture.   In the heart of the city is Turkey Central, frequented by both locals and expats alike for its mouth-watering menu, generous prices and prompt service. The menu options start from 1 USD upwards, with plates big enough for two to share.   ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT   In Doha, one of the easiest ways to get around is the new metro system. The state-of-the-art network features 100 km/h trains, driverless carriages, and a Gold Class for premium passengers. A journey costs as little as 2 QAR for a one-way trip (0.55 USD) after a reusable travel card has been purchased for 10 QAR (2.75 USD).   Other transport options include comprehensive bus service, taxis, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem. A typical (non-surge) 30-minute journey on Uber usually comes to no more than 7 USD.   Lusail Tram travels around Lusail City, the heart of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Sights include Lusail Stadium, which will host the tournament’s final, and Place Vendôme – a giant new luxury French-inspired shopping mall with dancing water fountains. Tram tickets cost 2 QAR for a one-way trip (0.55 USD).   SIX OF THE BEST VALUE HOTELS  

• Four Points by Sheraton Doha

With 120 spacious rooms or suites available, the hotel sits right across a metro station and is just a short walk from Msheireb Downtown Doha. Rates start at QAR 475 per night (130 USD), room only, subject to hotel availability.

• Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park

In the centre of the bustling financial district – perfect for a 'bleisure' break. It’s a 15-minute drive from Hamad International Airport and a few minutes away from top attractions including Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar. The hotel’s room rates start at QAR 400 per night (110 USD).

• The Curve Hotel Qatar

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf in a design that follows the curvature of the Corniche, the hotel sits in the heart of the city skyline.

• Centro Capital Doha

A 4-star affordable brand of the Rotana hotels, with a stylish design and modern amenities in the middle of the historical old Doha district. Rates start at QAR 400 per night (110 USD), room only, subject to hotel availability.

• Strato by Warwick

Close to the Hamad International Airport with elegant interiors. Rates start at QAR 200 per night (110 USD), room only, subject to hotel availability.

• Swiss- Belinn Doha

In the heart of the capital amid comfortable and trendy surroundings, the hotel is near Quest Doha and Msheireb Downtown Doha. Room rates start from 220 QAR / night, subject to hotel availability.   ENJOY THE WORLD’S BEST VALUE STOPOVER   Qatar has incredible stopover packages available from just 14 USD per night. The deals, launched at the end of last year by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar, and supported by Qatar Tourism, include a range of leading four-and five-star hotels, offering an affordable luxury to suit all budgets.

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has updated travel policy and now accepts the NHS Covid Pass instead of the previously required online registration. For EU and now UK nationals and residents a pre-travel PCR test is optional. If not taken, a Rapid Antigen test must be done within 24 hours of arrival into Qatar. It remains mandatory to download and activate Qatar’s Ehteraz mobile health appn to show a green health status while staying in Qatar. All visitors to Qatar who are fully vaccinated with a Cpvid-19 vaccine are not subject to quarantine, unless travelling from a red list country. All passengers must sign an Undertaking and Acknowledgement Form before arriving in Qatar. The form is available on the Ministry of Public Health website and pre-registration platform website Travellers should activate the app on their mobile phones using a local or international SIM card on arrival.

Qatar Tourism has launched a new international multi-media marketing campaign and upgraded its travel agency training platform. Agency training platform TAWASH, has been refreshed with a new interface, content and training modules. Designed to offer an improved learning experience, the upgraded programme functionality includes features such as interactive maps and knowledge check quizzes. Agents can receive a 'Qatar Expert' certificate, which can be upgraded to 'Qatar Specialist' through completion of additional options. Learners who have already completed the former programme will automatically receive the 'Qatar Expert' level. Under the tagline, 'Experience a World Beyond', Qatar Tourism is launching its latest campaign led by TV, featuring the voice of Indonesian singer, Raisa. Six key chain characters introduce travellers to a variety of experiences in Qatar. The global campaign brings to life Qatar's mix of cosmopolitan modernity and Arabic traditions, cuisines and cultures. It coincides with the launch of new website www.visitqatar.qa, which is available in five languages and supported by a recently launched Personalised Travel Companion mobile app. To drive growth in key international visitor markets, Qatar Tourism has appointed travel representative agencies in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), Russia, China, India and the US, as well as the addition of in-market sales managers in Australia and Turkey.

Qatar Tourism has launched a new international multi-media marketing campaign and upgraded its travel agency training platform.   Agency training platform TAWASH, has been refreshed with a new interface, content and training modules.   Designed to offer an improved learning experience, the upgraded programme functionality includes features such as interactive maps and knowledge check quizzes.   Agents can receive a ‘Qatar Expert’ certificate, which can be upgraded to ‘Qatar Specialist’ through completion of additional options.   Learners who have already completed the former programme will automatically receive the ‘Qatar Expert’ level.   Under the tagline, ‘Experience a World Beyond’, Qatar Tourism is launching its latest campaign led by TV, featuring the voice of Indonesian singer, Raisa.   Six key chain characters introduce travellers to a variety of experiences in Qatar.   The global campaign brings to life Qatar’s mix of cosmopolitan modernity and Arabic traditions, cuisines and cultures.   It coincides with the launch of new website www.visitqatar.qa, which is available in five languages and supported by a recently launched Personalised Travel Companion mobile app.   To drive growth in key international visitor markets, Qatar Tourism has appointed travel representative agencies in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), Russia, China, India and the US, as well as the addition of in-market sales managers in Australia and Turkey.

 

An immersive online learning experience to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to promote and sell Qatar as a tourist destination.

Training

There are a total of 9 modules in this training program with 3 essential modules and 6 elective courses.

Why become a Qatar Specialist