- Qatar has invested heavily in developing the cruise tourism sector
A total of 162,403 cruise ship visitors arrived in Qatar between December 2022 and February 2023, an increase of 184% compared to the same period in the previous season, when the corresponding figure was 57,202, HE the Chairman of Qatar Tourism (QT) and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency.
He noted that this sector has been long identified as a key area of growth for the country’s tourism industry. Qatar’s strategic location on the Arabian Gulf and its world-class infrastructure make it an attractive destination for cruise lines looking to expand their regional itineraries, he explained.
He said Qatar has invested heavily in developing its cruise tourism sector, building state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate even the largest of cruise ships, adding that the newly renovated Doha Port has a dedicated cruise terminal that can handle up to 12,000 passengers and is equipped with all necessary amenities and services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers.
Qatar continues to make significant strides to position itself as a premier destination for cruise tourism in the region, he said, noting that cruise passengers to Doha are treated to the new, state-of-the-art Grand Cruise Terminal, a beautiful structure that reflects classic Arabian architecture at Doha Port.
He added that the port provides a distinct offering in that it is adjacent to the brand-new Mina District, which offers food and beverages options along with stunning views of Doha’s skyline. Doha Port is also close to some of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Visitors will find themselves at some of Doha’s most iconic attractions, such as the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Doha Corniche, within a short walk or drive.
“We’ve seen the debut of several international ships to Doha Port, including Italian cruise ship ‘Costa Toscana’, German ship ‘AIDAcosma’, and the super yacht, ‘Emerald Azzurra’. This season also saw, for the very first time, embarkations for MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises from Doha Port, offering passengers seven-night itineraries around the Gulf,” he said.
At the end of his statements about marine tourism, HE al-Baker noted that “growing our cruise tourism sector is critical as it provides a boost to the local economy and allow thousands of visitors at a time to experience the country’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty.”