Qatar is embarking on an ambitious project to turn a number of places across the country into enticing tourist attractions set to cement the country’s position as a leading tourist destination. For this project, which is a major part of the Next Chapter of the National Tourism Sector Strategy, six geographic zones across the country have been identified to be developed into tourist destinations according to their geographic characteristics and natural assets.
Local and international investors will be invited to develop tourism products and services in each geographic zone, in line with its proposed themes.
Owing to its unique biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, the zone of Al Khor and Al Thakhira has been allocated the theme of eco-tourism. Investors will be invited to develop tourism products and services such as eco-lodges, nature tours, pearl-diving and water sports experiences.
With the presence of museums and a host of other cultural attractions such as Souq Waqif and Katara, Doha will be established as cultural tourism hub.
Boasting of historical sites, ancient villages and forts, Al Zubarah and Ras Brouq is set to be a history and heritage spot while in Dukhan will be a destination for relaxation and wellness.
Al Mashabiya and Al Eraiq will provide tourists family resorts and desert and hunting experiences while products and services to be developed in Al Udaid and Sealine will be on camping and adventure experiences providing tourists an experience of Qatari life and desert adventures, among others.
Presenting the revised tourism strategy, Hassan Al Ibrahim (pictured), Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said “The Next Chapter positions Qatar as a hub to discover - where cultural authenticity meets modernity, where the sand meets the sea, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.”
To market the new tourism products, QTA plans to increase the number of representative offices around the world and the number of markets covered, run global campaigns and work with destination management companies to package products and events to deliver complete Qatar experiences for prospective visitors. New plans and measures are being designed to ensure favourable experiences at every touch point of the visitor’s journey to, from and within Qatar, said Al Ibrahim. These new products and services are set to generate thousands of jobs and create a long-term impact on the country’s economy as it moves forward towards a diversified and sustainable economy.
