By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter

While Europe and the UK have remained as favourite summer destinations for many Qataris, a significant number of citizens and expatriates are also enjoying a range of local tour packages showcasing Qatar’s diverse tourism landscape.

"Many Qataris troop to London in the UK and other European destinations such as Switzerland and Paris in France to escape searing temperatures of Qatar’s summer months," a travel agent told Gulf Times.

“Nothing has changed for many years and these destinations have been a favourite summer haven for many Qataris. While holidaymakers are starting to arrive in the country in time for the opening of classes next month, we are expecting to accommodate many bookings to the same countries just before Eid al-Adha in September,” the agent explained.

While a huge majority of Qataris seek cooler temperatures during vacation season, there is also a significant number of citizens who book for local travel packages in Qatar.

“We have a range of packages that promote and showcase Qatar’s history and culture such as museum tours and visits to the historic Souq Waqif,” she said.

The agent added that adventure tours like camping and off-roading activities in the desert, as well as shopping and leisure trips have become a staple package of their agency since they launched a campaign in 2013 to stimulate tourism in various destinations in Qatar.

“There is fluctuation in outbound tourism, depending on a specific season but surprisingly, despite the summer heat, many customers go on local tour packages all-year long. These local trips have a significant contribution in terms of inbound travel to Qatar,” she said.

Her statement reflects tourism figures published in the Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Mid-Year Tourism Performance Report for 2015. According to the QTA, Qatar saw a 7% increase in the number of foreign visitors in the first six months of 2015.

QTA said the report “shows an expanding tourist accommodation sector and confirms indications that Qatar is on the path to meeting a milestone of 3mn visitors by the end of 2015 and well on its way to reaching a targeted 7mn visitors by 2030.”

Another travel agent said outbound travel packages appeal to many tourists “because it is very convenient and it eliminates the pressure and hassles that go along with planning a trip abroad.”

“Customer preference varies, which is why travel agencies offer various promotions and packages. But in terms of preparations, many overseas trips have a common denominator such as visa applications, hotel bookings, insurance, car rentals, and other products that we facilitate for the customer,” she added.

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