Doha: Qatar has all the necessary components to establish itself as a top tourist destination, an official said.
Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism (QT), said so at a recent press conference at the Host Media Country Center in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The COO said Qatar has beautiful and diverse landscapes, over 550km of coastline, a vibrant local arts and culture scene, a multi-award winning airline and airport, outstanding museums and inspiring public spaces.
“We will transform tourism by focusing on six areas of demand: Active Holidays, Relax and Unwind, Sun, Sea and Sand, Culture Lovers, Luxury City Breaks, Romantic Getaways,” he said.
Currently, people from over 95 countries can enter Qatar without a visa. There is a free 96-hour stopover tourist visa, and as of December, 45,000 room keys will be available for accommodation in the country.
He said a number of new hotels have opened.
These new hotels include The Ned, Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont and Raffles, The Chedi, Corinthia Inc. Yacht Club opening in two years and The Outpost.
Qetaifan Island Water Parks, Lusail Winter Wonderland and Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort are just some of the recently released entertainment alternatives that guests can enjoy.
The water park offers more than 36 different rides and is home to the 85 meter long water slide, the tallest in the world. The Lusail Winter Wonderland on Al Maha Island is 100,000 m². state-of-the-art theme park. It offers over 50 rides and attractions, delicious food and drink, live entertainment and more.
On the north coast of Qatar is a kitesurfing resort called Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort. It has been described as “one of the world’s best kitesurfing secrets” and “the best of both worlds”. The shallow lagoon and the breeze, ideal for nine months, make the site ideal for sports.
“We have more than just desert, this is a modern city with more infrastructure, brilliant educational institutions,” said Trenkel.
The COO stressed that Qatar was ranked as the safest country in the world; the English language is widely spoken; 95 percent of the population lives in a city; and there is a wide range of activities for everyone.
This is because there is still a lack of knowledge about Qatar and misconceptions about it such as the notion that travel is risky, that most tourists face language barriers, that most people in Qatar live in the desert and little access have to urban areas. and that there is not much to do in the countryside.
