In the next few months, Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar expect 200,000 visitors to visit the region as more than 50 cruise ships return for the season of 2022-2023.
During the FIFA World Cup, major international cruise ships offered “floating accommodation” for thousands of international fans at the newly designed cruise terminal in Doha Port. The tournament included MSC World Europe, MSC Opera, and MSC Poesia.
The port, located in Mina District, is within walking distance of the city’s attractions, including the Qatar National Museum, Souk Waqif, Doha Msheireb Center and the Doha Corniche.
Mariam Saoud, head of tourism product support at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar’s cruise sector has a history of less than a decade, but the sector has grown tremendously and now contributes to an important pillar of our tourism strategy. We see a continued, growing preference for Qatar as a destination for scheduled and return cruises.”
Hamad Ali Al Ansari, PR and Communications Manager at Mwani Qatar, said: “Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination in the region, in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. At Mwani Qatar, we are proud to work with our stakeholders and cruise lines to ensure these goals are achieved and we are working to make Qatar the most sought-after cruise destination in the region.”
He added: “As part of infrastructure renovation work at Doha Port, and after further widening and dredging the navigation channel and port quays to reach greater depth, we are now able to accommodate mega cruise ships. Indeed, Doha Port is developing to become one of the main tourist attractions in the region.
Al Ansari continued: “We look forward to another successful tourism season that will contribute to the strengthening of the cruise industry and maintain Qatar’s position as a leading tourism hub in the region.” In every cruise season, we always make sure that passengers get the best services and the most pleasant experiences at every step of their journey and in a safe environment.”