The local tourism industry got a further fillip with Qatar’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations, attracting an increasing number of visitors from abroad, especially from neighbouring GCC countries, an industry expert has said.

Speaking to Gulf Times, Outing Qatar founder and managing director Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa said the Eid al-Fitr break is witnessing an ncreasing demand for local tours and curated experiences.

“We get a lot of bookings from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and nationals from other Gulf countries this Eid holidays. We also receive many bookings from guests in Europe. People tell us that they love to visit Qatar because it is definitely a luxury destination,” he added.

Malls, shopping centres, museums, and art galleries, as well as popular leisure and tourism spots outside Doha such as hotels and resorts, beaches, and the inland sea, have been receiving a large number of domestic and international visitors since the first day of Eid, it is learnt.

Eleiwa said nationals from different GCC countries who watched the matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022 find the Eid holidays an excellent opportunity to visit and experience what Qatar has to offer.

He noted that football fans were busy going to stadiums for the matches, and had to return home to rest and relax after the prestigious tournament. However, the Eid holidays – backed by a wide range of events and offerings – enticed many to return.

Eleiwa lauded Qatar Tourism for its efforts to promote the country as a favourite family and luxury destination, and for launching a revamped Hayya platform, allowing visitors to enter and spend their holidays in the country.

The expanded functionality of the Hayya platform aims to invite tourists who require a visa to visit Qatar and enjoy its various touristic offerings.

Avens Travel & Tours, Doha managing director Naser Karukapadath echoed a similar view saying that Qatar has become a popular tourism destination, including the Eid Holidays, due to its various offerings and the ease of entering the country.

He said they recorded an increase of 15% to 20% in bookings this Eid al-Fitr break compared to the previous year during the same occasion.

Karukapadath said Qatar continues to draw a large number of visitors from other countries this Eid al-Fitr and he expects more will come during the Eid al-Adha holidays in June.

He pointed out that Qatar Tourism’s ‘Feel Eid in Qatar’ campaign played a key role in promoting the country as a leading tourism and luxury destination, and in boosting the local tourism sector.
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