To recognise the 40th anniversary of World Tourism Day, the Qatar National Tourism Council reaffirms the importance of tourism to the country and celebrates the efforts it has made in the years since the Qatar National Vision 2030 was unveiled. While the country continues to make preparations for the reopening of its borders to international visitors, it has maintained a strong focus on bolstering its visitor experience to ensure Qatar is ready to welcome guests to enjoy the country’s enhanced and new attractions.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council and CEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “We are now 12 years into the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and we are very proud of the progress we have made so far to modernise Qatar and make it a prime tourist destination. This World Tourism Day, we are pleased to report that we are well on track to drive positive, sustainable growth for Qatar in line with our 2030 goal and will make every effort necessary to do so.”
At the close of 2019, Qatar had over 27,000 room keys on offer for visitors to book across its 130 hotel and hotel apartment properties in operation. Since the start of the year, an additional five new properties have opened their doors, including Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Double Tree by Hilton Doha Al Saad and Dusit D2. Currently, there are approximately 112 properties under development, which represents around 22,300 room keys and will almost double the number of rooms available in the country.
Amongst the up and coming new hotel offerings is The Plaza Doha Anantara Hotel & Suites, a palatial hotel complex due to open later this year. With over 220 luxurious rooms and fully serviced suites, a rooftop infinity pool and an exclusive Anantara Spa, guests will have all the luxury and wellness facilities they need for a relaxing, fully pampered “recharge” within the heart of the bustling city of Doha.
Also set to open at the end of 2020 is the exclusive 5-star Pullman Doha West Bay, located amongst the city’s high rises in the buzzing West Bay area. Designed with 375 distinctive guest rooms and suites and an additional 93 in-style serviced apartments, the hotel will be home to no less than nine world class restaurants, each offering guests and visitors a culinary journey from around the world. In true Doha style, guests can unwind at Pullman Fit & Spa, which is fully equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Moroccan hammam and beauty lounge.
While extensive developments across the country continue, the Qatar National Tourism Council is working diligently to ensure international visitors will enjoy the very best in Arabic hospitality during their stay.
To support the country’s drive to enhance its tourism offering, Qatar has invested in a comprehensive training program for tour guides and taxi drivers. The aim is for each visitor to receive a seamless and personal experience, from the moment they touch down at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar National Tourism Council has worked tirelessly in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and the hospitality and tourism industry to ensure a safe and clean environment for visitors and guests. This May, the country rolled out the Qatar Clean program, a multi-phased, comprehensive initiative that ensures compliance with strict standards for hygiene and cleanliness at all hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in the country.
