Tag Archives: Doha

Qatar Travel Mart officially opens doors today with TravTalkME as media partner. The three day event kicks off today 20th until 22nd November 2023. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences shared that they expect this year not only to be an exciting event but to be 50% larger in scale as well. This year, QTM is set to offer an array of impactful events including an international conference, the Global Village exhibition, a prestigious Gala Dinner, an Awards Ceremony, and a thoughtfully designed Hosted Buyers’ Program. These components are tailored to enhance business-to-business (B2B) prospects. In addition, there will be media familiarization trips and cultural tours. These endeavors collectively aim to cater to the needs of both inbound and outbound travel and tourism enterprises. QTM 2023 will serve as a unifying platform where local and international Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Tour Operators, Travel Agencies, Travel Technology Companies, Associations, and Tourism Boards will converge. This convergence is intended to transcend the confines of the sporting industry, fostering a space for diverse entities to convene. Through this endeavor, fresh connections will be forged, novel opportunities seized, and pre-existing relationships rekindled. This cohesive ecosystem will not only facilitate professional interactions but also will also play a pivotal role in propelling expansion and ingenuity across the travel and tourism landscape.    

Lofta has extended its partnership with Qatar Tourism to manage and operate West Bay Beach. As part of its commitment to enhance the tourism experiences of West Bay Waterfront patrons, Qatar Tourism has renewed the operating licenses of Doha Sands Beach, B12 Beach Club and West Bay Beach, three distinct beach destinations in the heart of the city. While Discover Qatar has been licensed to operate Doha Sands Beach and B12 Beach Club for two years. These initiatives are part of Qatar Tourism’s ongoing efforts to provide integrated beach experiences for families, accompanied by a range of leisure and sports activities and food and beverage options along the West Bay waterfront. Aisha Al Mulla, Head of Tourism Investment Policy at Qatar Tourism, said: “Thanks to the many recreational and sporting facilities and activities offered by the beaches of West Bay such as the volleyball court, water sports, dining options and playgrounds throughout the day, the beaches of West Bay have become one of the most sought-after destinations in Doha for families and tourists. We are delighted to extend the operating licenses for these beaches to ensure that we continue to promote tourism offerings in Qatar. Qatar has a magnificent natural coastline that allows it to offer integrated beach experiences in the heart of Doha in a convenient and accessible location, reinforcing Doha’s position as a suitable choice for ideal family holidays.” Qatar Tourism’s West Bay Beach development, which covers a premium beachfront area of 40,000 square meters, includes Doha Sands, B12 Beach Club and West Bay Beach, each offering a completely different experience. Qatar Tourism continues to collaborate with its tourism partners to enhance tourism experiences and develop tourist attractions, …

Hilton announced the signing of a management agreement with Samrya Hospitality to welcome The Plaza Doha to LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Located in the heart of Doha and offering the highest standards of luxury, the hotel is set to redefine the hospitality experience in the city. Whether guests are seeking a luxurious getaway, a cultural exploration of the areas surrounding the hotel, or on business travel, the Plaza Doha will offer a memorable stay experience and the unparalleled bespoke services that LXR Hotels & Resorts is known for. The Plaza Doha brings a classic Parisian concept to the city, with its magnificent design, sophisticated interiors and attention to detail. The hotel offers 290 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each adorned with Parisian flourishes, inviting guests into a world of refined indulgence. Guests can enjoy a wide range of culinary options, including an American bakery, a juice bar and The Courtyard restaurant.  Several additional outlets are set to open, as well as a bespoke spa and wellness concept. In addition to offering an array of experiences for discerning travelers, The Plaza Doha takes immense pride in being one of Doha’s most magnificent wedding venues. It boasts an entire floor dedicated solely to a ballroom, meeting rooms and two board rooms luxuriously furnished for all business needs. The main highlight is The Grand Ballroom which features a high ceiling, extravagant chandeliers, wall designs and a private connection to a Bridal Suite. The elegant hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of Doha on C-ring road, adjacent to popular museums, Souk Waqif and a ten-minute drive from Hamad International Airport. Its unique location further enhances the allure of this luxury city hotel, …

As the global anticipation for Expo 2023 Doha rises, Qatar Airways announce its role as the official strategic partner for the landmark event. Set to be the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, the prestigious partnership underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to bringing global attention to Expo 2023 Doha and promoting Qatar as a premier travel destination.  Expo 2023 Doha, which is expected to attract an estimated 3 million visitors from around the globe, will take place in the picturesque Al Bidda Park, overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. The six-month event will run from October 2023 to March 2024 and will offer visitors rich experiences, from beautiful gardens and thought-provoking talks, to arts and cuisine, as well as a focus on innovative solutions to mitigate desertification. To celebrate the partnership, adorned with the Expo 2023 Doha emblem, an exclusive aircraft livery is set to be unveiled by Qatar Airways in the coming month. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The upcoming months promise an array of cultural, environmental, and innovative experiences in Qatar for visitors from around the globe. As the Official Strategic Partner for Expo 2023 Doha, we look forward to welcoming international guests to Qatar, offering them our signature hospitality and connecting them to this monumental event.” Travellers onboard Qatar Airways will also be treated to an unforgettable experience that starts with a horticultural welcome video and continues throughout their inflight journey, providing them with celebratory artwork and exclusive healthy dining options, which will be rolled-out across both Premium and Economy Cabins on select routes. Discover Qatar, the Destination Management Company of Qatar …

Japan Airlines announced that it will launch a new nonstop daily service between Tokyo(Haneda) and Doha, Qatar starting in the Summer of 2024. Launching this route, JAL will enable customers to seamlessly connect to Africa and South America through its partnership with Qatar Airways, a oneworld® member. Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a unique city that blends modernity and tradition. While preserving its own culture, the city offers modern facilities, hotels and infrastructure for immigrants and travelers, along with a mix of cultures and cuisines from different countries. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of activities such as desert tours, museums with historical treasures, and sporting events such as Formula 1 and soccer. The JAL Group will continue to embrace new challenges to deliver greater customer convenience, enhance its international network, and continue to improve the quality of its products and services.

Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (“ARTIC”) and Element Hotels  announced the opening of Element West Bay by Westin. Element Hotels are designed for today’s healthy, active traveller who seeks to maintain the balance of their daily routine while away on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay for both the short and long-term. The hotel offers a fresh approach for the longer stay market with its thoughtfully designed accommodation and contemporary, nature-inspired spaces. Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with  a  design  philosophy  that encourages guests to recharge and find their focus. The hotel’s 180 spacious studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments offer views of both the city and the Arabian Gulf, while being exquisitely furnished with signature Westin Heavenly® beds, a large workstation, and a fully equipped modern and spacious kitchenette. The apartments also feature  spacious  living  and dining areas. An ideal place for business travelers, long stay guests, and holidaymakers, the hotel is five minutes walking distance from Doha’s best beach clubs and provides easy access to key business and financial districts. This includes destination hubs such as Doha Exhibition Convention Center and the City Center Mall. At Element West Bay, guests will be energized with a food and beverage menu that prioritizes fresh and healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise® breakfast starts the  day  by  offering morning staples as well as low-fat options and fruit smoothies, followed by all-day dining at Californian food culture concept ShiKiMiKi. In addition, the Restore Grab & Go menu, available 24/7, includes a wide variety of fresh ingredients and on-the-go meals, from wholesome salads and sandwiches to yoghurt and snacks and …

Qatar Tourism hosted the British Travel and Tourism Institute (BITC) Conference in Doha again two decades later. Sponsored by destination partner Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways as official airline partner, the three-day conference was held at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail Hotel Doha, in the presence of more than 200 senior representatives of the UK travel industry including government officials and major international airlines. The conference included a series of panel discussions during which the growth prospects of Qatar’s tourism industry were reviewed, with the participation of prominent figures in the travel and tourism industry, including Gary Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays, and His Excellency John Wilkes, British Ambassador to Doha. Bertold Trinkel, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar Tourism is delighted to host this important conference in Doha and showcase Qatar’s key tourism offerings and benefits to some of the UK’s leading travel industry. The relationship between Qatar and the UK is gaining great importance and vitality, not only in terms of tourism, but also through the common history that unites the two countries. As we continue to participate in such travel and business events, we look forward to strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading destination for hosting global business events.” The BITTI’s member-only conference follows a series of high-profile business events hosted by Qatar Tourism since the start of the year, including the World Association of the Exhibition Industry Middle East and Africa conference in May. The UK is one of Qatar Tourism’s 15 priority markets as per its National Tourism Strategy 2030 and has always been among the top 10 countries in the list of source markets. to Qatar.

Oman Air has announced the expansion of its flight services to Bahrain and Doha, offering passengers increased convenience and flexibility. As of this month, the airline is operating 11 flights per week between Muscat and Bahrain, while flights between Muscat and Doha will increase from 21 to 35 a week on 24 June. Part of its summer schedule, the airline is offering a range of convenient timings, from early in the morning to late at night, enabling guests to seamlessly plan business trips, weekend getaways and even daytrips. Connecting Muscat to major cities across the GCC, Oman Air also offers 35 flights a week to Dubai, 21 flights a week to Riyadh and Jeddah, and 14 flights a week to Kuwait. Meanwhile, it continues to cater to the increasing number of Muscat-based travellers who are choosing to holiday in the region. Wherever the destination, the enhanced flight schedule allows travelers to optimise their plans and enjoy a smooth and seamless travel experience.

Qatar Tourism has installed an official monument on the Doha Corniche, in recognition of Doha’s landmark Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 title, which was awarded by the Arab Ministerial Council earlier this year. The monument, which reflects the official Doha Arab Tourism Capital 2023 logo, is positioned in a photogenic location on the Corniche. The design of the monument was inspired by the slogan of Doha Capital of Arab Tourism 2023, which reflects the city of Doha as a modern centre for tourism rooted in its rich cultural heritage. Since Doha received the prestigious award, Qatar’s tourism sector has welcomed an incredible start to the year. With over a million visitors in the first quarter of 2023, Qatar registered its highest ever first quarter of international arrivals. In April, Qatar Tourism announced the re-launch of the Hayya platform in its new form, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering. The Hayya platform unifies all visa process for tourists and business visas to Qatar.

Doha was officially recognised as the Arab Tourism Capital 2023 by the Arab Tourism Organization for Tourism at a commemoration ceremony. Commenting on the occasion, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is an honour to see Doha being named as the Arab Tourism Capital 2023 by the Arab Tourism Organization. One of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, the Arab Tourism Capital award is a testament of our exceptional achievements in leisure and hospitality. I am proud of our city’s tireless efforts that have culminated in this honourable recognition and look forward to further cementing Doha’s position as one of the world’s most sought-after leisure destinations.” The Arab Tourism Organization declared Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, in its 25th session at the Arab League General Secretariat Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The session was chaired by Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Fayez, amongst other prominent Arab leaders. Cities were evaluated based on a selection of criteria including tourism management, infrastructure and resources, safety and security, diversity of tourism activations, and preservation and protection of the environment. By continuing to host internationally renowned events, investing in hospitality offerings and expanding into more specialised areas of tourism, Qatar is in a perfect position to meet its goal of welcoming six million visitors a year by 2030. Held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani at the Katara Cultural Village. The event took place on Arab Tourism Day (February 25), and was attended by tourism ministers, ambassadors and prominent leaders from the nations that are …