Qatar expects more than 200,000 cruise tourists by April-end Qatar expects 200,000 cruise visitors by April-end

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Mwani Qatar are expecting about 200,000 visitors this cruise (2022/23) season, which is slated to see more than 50 cruise liners dock at the Doha Port.Over the season, which runs until the end of April, cruise liner passengers will be welcomed at the Cruise Terminal, a newly designed infrastructure that pays homage to classic Arabian architecture.The buoyancy in the cruise sector is expected to a fillip to the retail and tourism and related sectors, whose multiplier effect is set to further strengthen the overall domestic economy of the country.Docking in Doha Port, passengers would witness the newly renovated port that recently stood home to major international cruise liners offering ‘floating accommodation’ for thousands of international fans during the tournament, including the MSC World Europa, MSC Opera and MSC Poesia."Qatar’s cruise sector has a history of less than a decade, yet the sector has grown tremendously and now contributes an important pillar to our tourism strategy. We’re seeing continued, increasing preference for Qatar as a destination for both regular cruise calls and cruises with turnaround calls," said Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support at Qatar Tourism.Located at the port is the Mina district, one of Qatar’s latest tourism destinations whereby residents and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse offering of restaurants and retail outlets or a refreshing stroll by the sea.For international passengers, the port is ideally situated within walking distance to iconic landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Doha Corniche, where visitors can view the city's skyline.Highlighting that Doha Port’s strategic location in the heart of the city is truly unique and offers the visitors an excellent opportunity to make the most out of their time in Doha; Maryam said "we are ready to welcome thousands of new travellers who are guaranteed a distinct tourism experience in Qatar through the different tourism products on offer and in collaboration with our strategic partners.”As many as 19 cruises are expected in January, 20 cruises in February, 13 cruises in March and three in April.Hamad Ali al-Ansari, manager of Public Relations and Communications at Mwani Qatar, said the country continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination in the region, in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030."At Mwani Qatar, we are proud to work with our stakeholders and cruise lines to ensure these goals are achieved and work toward making Qatar the most sought-after cruise destination in the region," he said.As part of the renovation work undertaken in Doha Port’s infrastructure, and after further expanding and dredging the navigational channel and port docks to reach deeper depth, he said the port is now able to receive mega cruise vessels."Indeed, Doha Port is being developed to become one of the main tourist attractions in the region,” he said, adding "we look forward to another successful tourism season that will contribute to strengthening the cruise industry and maintaining Qatar's position as a leading tourism hub in the region."In addition to the attractions in and around the Mina District, passengers are set to enjoy a busy calendar of events by Qatar Tourism (QT) in this year. Already, QT has announced the return of Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition (DJWE), which is set to run from February 20-25, 2023.