The start of the cruise season in the last quarter of 2021 is expected to create a series of benefits to domestic tourism in Qatar, according to an industry expert.
“Come November, we are expecting huge cruise ships to start their intra-regional cruise and subject to approvals from Qatar Tourism, we can expect some turnaround cruises from Qatar, which will allow citizens and local residents to enjoy the world-class cruise sailing from Doha Port,” said Tawfeeq Travel Group CEO Rehan Ali Syed.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Syed explained: “The start of the cruise season will definitely be a booster for the tourism in the country. Some of the major shore excursions enjoyed by the travelers are desert safari, museum visits, and trips to the shopping malls.
“Similarly, visits to the football stadiums, Al Shaqaab Race Course, traditional Souq Waqif, kayaking in the mangroves of Al Khor, and many more activities, are a huge crowd drawer. We were offering 19 different shore excursions to experience Qatar for the passengers when they were disembarking the ship.”
Syed also noted that the resumption of classes would also create a positive impact on the country’s local tourism industry.
“The travel pattern is changing. Earlier, you could just hop on a flight and get back to your home country or visit a touristic place. But in the current scenario, there are several Covid-19 protocols that need to be adhered to, which eventually becomes pretty challenging.
“With schools reopening, it will be good for the domestic tourism: In order to avoid many hassles, residents would prefer to spend time in the country and use the various facilities and options available locally,” Syed emphasised.
He said the various ‘back-to-school’ promos previously launched by many malls, hypermarkets, and other stores also created a positive impact on the tourism sector of Qatar.
“I feel since the opening of Phase 3, customer footfall in the malls have grown threefold and with all the offers running across all these establishments have been the ‘cherry on the cake’. Citizens and residents who opted not to travel during this period have been spending quality time with their families while waiting for the start of the next session of schools.
“The reopening of schools clearly demonstrates that country is getting back to normal and the market is opening up despite the ongoing pandemic. Such positive vibes encourage visitors (business and tourists) to come to Qatar and thus, boost tourism for the country especially for the travel and hospitality industry, which is still recovering from the economic impact of Covid-19,” Syed stressed.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Syed explained: “The start of the cruise season will definitely be a booster for the tourism in the country. Some of the major shore excursions enjoyed by the travelers are desert safari, museum visits, and trips to the shopping malls.
“Similarly, visits to the football stadiums, Al Shaqaab Race Course, traditional Souq Waqif, kayaking in the mangroves of Al Khor, and many more activities, are a huge crowd drawer. We were offering 19 different shore excursions to experience Qatar for the passengers when they were disembarking the ship.”
Syed also noted that the resumption of classes would also create a positive impact on the country’s local tourism industry.
“The travel pattern is changing. Earlier, you could just hop on a flight and get back to your home country or visit a touristic place. But in the current scenario, there are several Covid-19 protocols that need to be adhered to, which eventually becomes pretty challenging.
“With schools reopening, it will be good for the domestic tourism: In order to avoid many hassles, residents would prefer to spend time in the country and use the various facilities and options available locally,” Syed emphasised.
He said the various ‘back-to-school’ promos previously launched by many malls, hypermarkets, and other stores also created a positive impact on the tourism sector of Qatar.
“I feel since the opening of Phase 3, customer footfall in the malls have grown threefold and with all the offers running across all these establishments have been the ‘cherry on the cake’. Citizens and residents who opted not to travel during this period have been spending quality time with their families while waiting for the start of the next session of schools.
“The reopening of schools clearly demonstrates that country is getting back to normal and the market is opening up despite the ongoing pandemic. Such positive vibes encourage visitors (business and tourists) to come to Qatar and thus, boost tourism for the country especially for the travel and hospitality industry, which is still recovering from the economic impact of Covid-19,” Syed stressed.
