QMA initiative brings to life a bygone era

QMA’s Cultural Tourism Unit (CTU) head Maja Knezevic mentioned the initiative while speaking of developing the country’s heritage sites to keep alive bygone Qatari culture at the “Tourism in Tomorrow’s Future conference, which ended yesterday.

Cultural tourism is a central part of the newly launched Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy, inviting tourists to step back in history at historical and heritage sites as well as offering a compelling line-up of museum, art galleries and attractions to visit.

Focused on protecting and promoting Qatar’s rich cultural heritage by developing its archaeological sites, CTU aims to turn sites into an authentic experience to raise awareness of the rich potential found throughout Qatar, the official stated.

The launch of Al Zubarah Archaeological Site as a Unesco World Heritage in June 2013 is a prime example which, with its authentic Qatari atmosphere and tents offering traditional food and drink, has attracted over 10,000 visitors in January 2014.

Other successful restorations include Barzan Towers, 19th century desert forts like Al-Thaqab and Arakiyyat to Bronze Age sites such as purple-dye production site Jazirat Bin Ghanam and the rock craving of Jassassiya, castles and the fabled Al Wajba fort which played the decisive role in the defeat of the Ottomans in 1893.

More projects in the pipeline are the old Fish Souq in Al Khor, built of local stone and traditional materials, and four ancient Qatari villages including the old pearl-diving village Al-Mafyar, where visitors will be able to live like Qataris did in years gone by, restored with modern amenities and facilities. 

Speaking further, Knezevic said: “This is just a small step for the mankind but could be a big one for Qatar. We count on your support and co-operation to reach and achieve this common goal and to see Qatar positioned on a world cultural map as a cultural destination.”

Also during the conference, Katara Hospitality’s chief operating officer Christopher Knable addressed delegates about hotel development in Qatar.

“Doha will soon be the best hotel town in the world. We are going to have the greatest hotels right here in Qatar.”

He spoke about the need to plan for the next generation, saying: “As a hotel developer, we have to be a futurist – we have to figure out what is coming. What you are doing must be meaningful 10 and 20 years from now.”

Knable also highlighted the need to anticipate guests’ needs, keep track of guests’ comments and feedback, the importance of knowing the provenance of produce and keeping ahead of trends, such as pop-up restaurants.