More than 100,000 people have been visiting Souq Waqif on a daily basis throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, said Souq Waqif director Mohamed al-Salim.
He told local Arabic daily *Arrayah that tourists like to visit traditional and popular markets in the countries they visit.
In Qatar, too, a place like Souq Waqif is a major destination among visitors to the country.
The official noted that the place offers visitors multiple, diverse food and beverage options that appeal to different tastes and preferences.
It also has many shops selling souvenirs, gifts and accessories with a focus on traditional and heritage items.
Al-Salim said the sales generated by most shops during the past couple of weeks at Souq Waqif, in particular cafes, restaurants and accessories and gifts shops, has been as much as what they usually make in more than four months.
He stressed that the souq had been well-prepared and equipped before the launch of the World Cup, with dedicated studios for media coverage and adequate co-ordination with all the shops there.
Souq Waqif also boasts of horse and camel shows, pony rides for children and kids' games and activities, including a train ride.
A number of cafe and restaurant operators at Souq Waqif said that they have been experiencing "excellent and extraordinary" business and turnout of customers throughout the World Cup period, with most eateries working round the clock due to the huge demand.
Some pointed out that local and other Arabic dishes and sweets are among the most sought-after items among customers from around the world.
Some visitors have even placed special orders for packages of food to take home as gifts for families and friends.
Msheireb Downtown Doha cafes and restaurants have also been seeing a huge turnout of customers from fans and tourists.
The demand increased by more than 100% compared to the period before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, according to the daily.
Throughout the tournament, objects and practices related to local culture and heritage have been a great attraction for foreign visitors and fans.
For instance, henna tattoos with local patterns and heritage designs have been highly popular among visiting women and girls, who have been keen to try it and get traditional henna on their hands and arms.
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