Global travellers, cutting across nationalities and who are either first-time or repeat visitors to Doha, as well as residents want the "carnival vibe” in Qatar to continue, as the curtain comes down on World Cup Sunday.Such a strategy within the country’s national tourism policy would not only allow the Middle East’s first World Cup host to carve a niche in the international tourism map, but help with substantial savings in foreign exchange as well as ensure a "multiplier” effect on the domestic economy, sources in the tourism industry say.Impeccable crowd management, a holistic transportation, a highly secure environment and an inclusive approach within the cultural and traditional ethos have helped this Arab country attract potential global tourists in a big way, according to a cross section of travellers approached by Gulf Times staff in metro stations/FIFA Fan Festival."It’s time to cash-in on the carnival vibe, which has already created positive impact among the fans and visitors to the World Cup,” a senior official of tour operating company said, adding that Doha’s cruise sector can also greatly benefit from this. "Various business councils and embassies can play a greater role in this regard.”The general mood among the visitors and residents in Doha appears to corroborate a recent survey by Ernst and Young, which found that Qatar’s corporate honchos believe that the FIFA World Cup would make a "drastic shift in global perception” about the country as an international tourism hub.Visa, the official payment technology partner of FIFA, recently said that consumer spending (by value) so far at this World Cup is close to exceeding total spending for the entire FIFA World Cup 2018 and has already exceeded total spending at FIFA World Cup 2014.Many of the visitors, in Qatar for the first time, were impressed by the swift and prompt response from the help desks at the airports when they had technical issues (relating to the linking of match tickets with Hayya Card) upon arrival."Had it not been for the World Cup, I would not have thought of visiting this part (of the world),” said Jose Manuel from Mexico. "But now, after spending a few days here, I wish to visit this magnificent city again.”Argentinian Diego, a former media professional who had been to at least three World Cup editions, is all praises for Qatar’s pragmatic transportation plan, which he said made domestic travel hassle-free and economical.Visitors, who are aware of the Middle East, are of the view that Doha’s carnival could be timed around the same time as the Dubai Shopping Festival, with air and road shuttle service, just as it is there right now with the World Cup."It could be win-win situation as the present World Cup opened up plethora of business opportunities for the neighbouring UAE,” said a top official of a travel and tourism agency.A recent Standard and Poor’s report had said Qatar’s hospitality, residential real estate, retail, and telecoms sectors are set to reap tangible benefits from the FIFA World Cup.
December 17, 2022 | 01:35 AM