Qatar’s has identified tourism as one of five key sectors in achieving economic diversification in the country. 2018 has witnessed a number of milestone developments making this year a turning point for tourism in Qatar.
Some of the year’s highlights are:
National Tourism Council is established by Emiri Decree
Among the most important developments is the Emiri decree to establish Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) under the chairmanship of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, fast-tracking the development initiatives outlined in the National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS) in an effective way.
Expansion in International Markets
QNTC has made noteworthy efforts in diversifying visitor source markets and promoting Qatar as an attractive tourism destination. In 2018, six representative offices opened in three of the world’s largest visitor source markets namely China, India and Russia.
Euromonitor 2018 ranked Doha among the Top 100 City Destinations worldwide.
Qurated for you – A Global Promotion Campaign
In November 2018, QNTC launched Qatar’s first global destination campaign. Under the tagline ‘Qatar. Qurated for you.’ the campaign brings to life Qatar’s focus on tailored visitor experiences celebrating its heritage. The campaign is being rolled out in eight languages across 15 existing and targeted priority markets targeting 250 million travellers around the world.
Recognition as Region Leaders
Thanks to all those numerous steps that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access, the UNWTO ranked Qatar as the most open country in the Middle East and the 8th most open country in the world.
Qatar’s hospitality sector has further improved its guest experience ranking from first place among the GCC to first place in the Middle East.
Destination Weddings Come to Doha
Due to Doha’s hassle-free locations with magnificent ballrooms and manicured vistas that regularly cater to clients who have an appetite for modern luxury, grand entertainment and mouth-watering delights, Qatar is fast coming up as an attractive wedding destination for couples looking to tie the knot abroad.
Enhancing Visitor Experience
2018 witnessed the launch of the Al Enna project which covers an area of 6 million m2 in Sealine and Khor AlAdaid and aims to enhance the visitor’s coastal and desert experience – a key objective of the Next Chapter of QNTSS 2018-2023.
Cruise Tourism Sets Sail
This year, Doha Port welcomed two mega ships on the same day, marking a major step in the development of the tourism sub-sector. 2018 also witnessed the signing of MoUs with two of Europe’s leading cruise operators which will further help in developing Qatar’s cruise tourism.
Tags: QATAR
