Tag Archives: Doha

Resorts World Cruises introduces premium cruise vacations in the Arabian Gulf for region’s holidaymakers

Cruise-seeking travellers in the region will have a brand new experience at sea with Resorts World Cruises, as it expands its global footprint to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman with the premium boutique lifestyle cruise ship, Resorts World One. Starting from October 18, 2024 until April 13, 2025, the Resorts World One will homeport and depart from Dubai, providing travellers from the region the option to embark from the emirate on a roundtrip cruise adventure to popular destinations within the Gulf waters. Discover the convenience and comfort of cruising to multiple destinations, without the hassle of packing and unpacking or searching for accommodations at each destination. Resorts World One combines premium amenities with diverse culinary options, offering the best of lifestyle and entertainment at sea, halal-certified cuisine options and a luxurious experience at The Palace, a ‘luxury ship-within-a ship’ private all-suite enclave with exclusive restaurant, sundeck, gym and other facilities, including its own 24-hour European style butler service. Resorts World One will offer roundtrip cruise itineraries from Dubai, including the 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise with departures on Fridays; a 3 Night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat departing on Sundays; and a 2 Night Doha Cruise departing on Wednesdays. Guests will have the flexible option to combine two or all three of the itineraries to increase the cruise length to a four, five or a seven night cruise. Shore excursions and onboard activities will allow passengers to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Dubai and the surrounding region especially Muscat, Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island. Visits to iconic landmarks, heritage sites, and shopping destinations will be part of the itinerary for tourists …

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Qatar Airways celebrates the resumption of services to Venice, Italy

Qatar Airways’ resumed services to Venice with non-stop daily flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE) Airport. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “As we enter the summer season, we are excited to resume our daily service to Venice. Italy is a key market for Qatar Airways, and we are committed to providing our passengers with more travel opportunities and seamless connections to explore this wonderful country.” He added, “In addition to Venice, Qatar Airways already serves two other major Italian cities, Rome and Milan. These flights have been incredibly popular among our passengers, and we are thrilled to expand our Italian offerings with the inclusion of Venice, through our world-class award-winning hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.” To celebrate this latest network expansion, a  ceremony was held at the departure gate for passengers  at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Qatar Airways’ flights to Venice comes as part of the airline’s 2024 network expansion, which bolsters the airline’s existing Milan and Rome services. The new schedule ensures that passengers can easily travel to these iconic cities and experience the best of Italy. Venice is a highly sought-after destination, captivating travellers with its stunning canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. With daily flights, Qatar Airways aims to offer its passengers the convenience and flexibility they need to explore this beautiful city at their leisure. Flight schedule to Venice: The new daily flights to Venice will operate using Qatar Airways’ modern fleet, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. Daily flights – all local time ·         Doha (DOH) to Venice (VCE) – departing at 09:00 and arriving at 14:20. ·         Venice (VCE) to Doha …

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Qatar Airways celebrates inaugural flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Qatar Airways officially touched down at Tashkent International Airport (TAS)  celebrating its inaugural flight of its new non-stop service to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The new route marks a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ ambitious network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate four weekly flights to Tashkent onboard its state-of-the-art fleet, providing passengers seamless connectivity via Hamad International Airport (DOH), recently voted ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are excited to introduce Tashkent as our latest destination, offering travellers convenient access to the cultural and economic heart of Uzbekistan. “This new route underscores our commitment to expanding our global network through Central Asia and providing our passengers with more travel options. We look forward to strengthening the ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan through enhanced connectivity and cultural exchange.” Mr. Mohamed Faleh Al Hajri, Acting President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), added: “We congratulate Qatar Airways on this new achievement and commend its efforts to enhance passenger connectivity and provide top-tier services to over 170 destinations worldwide. Tashkent, with its rich natural and historical landmarks. “This new route will strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan, boosting economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation and highlighting the aviation sector’s role in economic development.” As a historic gateway to world-renowned Silk Road and a destination known for its breath-taking nature and one-of-a kind architecture, the inclusion of Tashkent to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 destinations will pave the way for millions of passengers to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Uzbekistan. Flight schedule to Tashkent: Departing Doha every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (all local time) – Doha …

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Garuda Indonesia starts daily flights from Doha

Under the partnership of Qatar Airways, Hamad International Airport (DOH) announces the commencement of daily flights from Jakarta to Doha by Indonesian airlines ‘Garuda Indonesia’, further enhancing connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia complements Hamad International Airport’s existing extensive network in Southeast Asia through its national carrier Qatar Airways, which operates three daily flights to Jakarta, three daily flights to Bali, and three weekly flights to Medan. The operation also reflects the significant increase in flight frequency between Qatar and Indonesia. Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President of Finance & Procurement at Hamad International Airport, said: “The collaboration with Garuda Indonesia marks a pivotal moment in Hamad International Airport’s strategic expansion into Southeast Asia. Welcoming Garuda Indonesia to Doha not only strengthens Hamad International Airport’s position as a global aviation hub but also deepens ties with the Southeast Asian travel industry. This partnership highlights the airport’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial alliances that drive economic growth, enhance connectivity, and position it as the preferred gateway between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.” Meanwhile, Irfan Setiaputra, President & CEO of Garuda Indonesia says “We are very pleased to be able to add Doha to our extensive global network. There are strong business, tourism, and cultural ties between Indonesia and Qatar, and we believe this new service will further boost those activities between the two countries while offering easier access for travelers from Qatar to Indonesia, which is now one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the world. This new route marks a significant milestone for Garuda Indonesia as the national flag carrier of Indonesia, providing our passengers departing from Jakarta as the main hub …

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France visa services in Qatar now available through VFS Global

VFS Global opened France visa services for the residents of Qatar through its new France Visa Application Centre in Doha. Focused on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences, the premises feature a spacious waiting area, state-of-the-art biometric facilities, and a dedicated space to promote France as a destination, providing applicants with key information ahead of their travels. Travellers visiting this centre can also choose from a range of our optional services, such as courier return service to receive processed passports at home, and form filling assistance from trained professionals, among others. Those looking for a more personalised service can also opt for the Premium Lounge to receive end-to-end assistance throughout the process in a plush ambience. The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar. France visa applicants can now visit this centre located in Level 2, Al Nuaimi Building, Oqba Ibn Nafie Street, Airport Road, Doha, Qatar, to submit their applications for short and long stay visas. Prior appointments are mandatory and can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com. Mr. Patrick Poinsot, First counselor at the French embassy in Qatar said, “We care about the quality of the welcome of our Qatari friends and residents of Qatar who want to go to France. We are very pleased to see that, each year, more and more people are travelling to France, especially for touristic reasons and, with our new partner VFS Global, we will endeavor to process their visa applications in the best possible and efficient way” Mr. Atul Marwah, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Egypt, VFS Global said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with …

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Hamad International Airport ready to welcome Fans for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023

Hamad International Airport (DOH) stands poised to welcome visitors from around the globe, as Qatar hosts the prestigious 18th edition of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM. Set to take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024, the tournament will see twenty-four of the continent’s top teams competing in 51 matches across Qatar’s state-of-the-art stadiums. Drawing from the lessons and expertise gained during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, the airport has meticulously planned its operations to ensure a seamless arrival experience for visitors entering the vibrant city of Doha. The comprehensive preparation includes seamless coordination and communication among all stakeholders ensuring optimal service delivery. Extensive collaboration with transport providers guarantees efficient connectivity to and from the airport, the city, and the stadiums, with multiple public transport options, including taxis, bus services, and the metro, available for visitors. Arriving passengers can access necessary amenities like foreign exchange services, food and beverage options, convenient stores, ATMs and purchase local sim cards, which are all conveniently located at the arrival hall. Passengers who have a transit time of more than 8 hours have the option of booking a Doha city tour through Discover Qatar, the destination management company of Qatar Airways, to experience the city during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 TM. Qatar Airways, the country’s national carrier, has partnered with the Asian Football Confederation to transform the fan experience at Asian football competitions in the coming years, including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM. The home and hub of Qatar Airways, Hamad International Airport is set to bring the tournament experience to the terminal with a dedicated fan zone and exciting activations that will provide an immersive experience to …

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Qatar Airways begins flights to NEOM Bay Airport

Qatar Airways launched a new flight service to NEOM Bay Airport marking a new chapter in Qatar-Saudi relations. Qatar Airways flight 1205 will depart from NEOM Bay to Doha on Saturdays at 14:00 and Thursdays at 13:40, while the return flight, Qatar Airways flight 1204, will leave Hamad International Airport at 06:55 on Saturdays and 06:35 on Thursdays. The inaugural flight from Doha’s Hamad International Airport touched down at NEOM Bay on December 9. The airline has chosen an Airbus A320-214 for the 1,650-mile journeys, scheduling two flights per week.  NEOM is a visionary project in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, and it represents a future-focused city embodying innovation and progress. This new service from Qatar Airways is a key step in enhancing regional airline connectivity, an initiative aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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Vistara announces Doha as its 50th destination

Vistara announced the addition of Doha (Qatar), its 50th destination, to its growing network. The airline will be operating direct, 4x weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha, starting from 15 December 2023 using its A321neo aircraft. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are thrilled to introduce direct flights between Mumbai and Doha – the capital of Qatar and a burgeoning financial hub in the Middle East. Given the city’s growing economic significance, this move not only further solidifies our presence in the Gulf region but also enhances our network offering from our Mumbai hub. We hope that our customers will appreciate having the option of flying with India’s best airline on this route.” Introductory all-inclusive, round-trip fares Sector Economy Premium Economy Business Mumbai – Doha – Mumbai INR 30,599 INR 39,399 INR 111,049 Doha – Mumbai – Doha QAR 1349 QAR 1849 QAR 4699   Schedule of flights to/from Doha effective 15 December 2023 Sector Flight No. Days of Operation Departure Arrival Mumbai – Doha UK  285 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 18:45 hrs 20:30 hrs Doha – Mumbai UK  286 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 21:45 hrs 4:05 hrs (+1) * All timings shown are in local time zones, exact timings may differ slightly for respective days of operations ** (+1) indicates next-day arrival *** Subject to regulatory approvals Vistara will accept all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings. Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on …

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IHG debuts Vignette Collection brand in Doha

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of its first Vignette Collection hotel in Doha in partnership with Hospitality for Success H4S Hotels & Residences set to open by the end of Quarter 1, 2024. Velero Hotel Vignette Collection Doha Lusail is IHG’s fifth Vignette Collection hotel signing in the MEA region, following those in Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait. IHG continues to bring brands from its luxury & lifestyle portfolio to the region, offering its guests exceptional design, bespoke service and meaningful experiences. The Vignette Collection brand gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. Located at the heart of Lusail, Qatar’s second largest city, Velero Hotel Vignette Collection Doha Lusail will be part of a mixed-use development featuring an adjacent retail mall, welcoming guests seeking rich and varied experiences. True to the Vignette Collection brand, the hotel will blend exclusivity and grandeur with community and locality — evident in its architectural design and ornamented interiors. With 244 beautifully designed rooms, the hotel boasts a modern façade and structure. Alongside its adorned rooms, guests can enjoy three food-and-beverage outlets spanning various cuisines, and premium wellness facilities including a spa, gym, and swimming pool. Corporate travellers can also take advantage of the hotel’s sizeable meetings and events space catering to a range of professional needs.   Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Al Baladi Group to bring the first Vignette Collection hotel to Doha. The demands of travelers in the Middle East are ever evolving. There is a …

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Qatar Travel Mart opens doors with great expectations

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.    

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