Smoother visa procedures for cruises: first tourists welcomed to Doha by Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority
From now on each cruise will be warmly welcomed by a cultural presentation
Doha, Qatar (March 5, 2009) – Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority paid a warm welcome ceremony to passengers of a cruise making a stopover in Qatar.
Passengers from the Deutschland, a tourism ship cruising in the Gulf, were the first to take advantage of the facilitation of entry procedures, and to have an eased arrival in Qatar.
The 400 passengers and 260 crew members have been greeted on their arrival on ground by the true Qatari hospitality of Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority. The newcomers could experience from their first minutes in the country the cultural Qatari pride shared with warmth. Enjoying the traditional Qatari band, tourists could admire a falcon, while sipping Arabic coffee and tasting dates. One German couple declared: “We will always remember our first steps in Qatar, and we are eager to see more of this charming country.”
Being offered brochures and maps by QTA staff, the tourists have been briefed on Qatar and numerous activities they could enjoy during their stay in the country.
Organized by Gulf Adventures, the tour agent of this cruise, tourists are offered a desert safari to Khor Al Odeid, the unique inland sea surrounded by sand dunes, a discovery of the fine artworks of the Museum of Islamic Art, an extended tour of the capital, leading them to stroll on the Corniche, and being fascinated by the authentic Souq Waqif. Golf addicts could as well appreciate an early round at Doha Golf Club.
On the occasion of this ceremony, Mr Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar tourism and exhibtitions authority, commented: “Our efforts to have new visa procedures for cruise passengers represents a new way of putting into practice our strategy to ask people stay 48 hours in Qatar. It will enable us to attract new travelers to Qatar, and make them discover our culture and our unique landscape. We have been discussing with major tour operators and cruising companies the possibility to add Qatar on the cruising map during their trips in the Middle East. Qatar will become a not-to-be missed stage on the Middle East maritime routes, with much more cruises to stopover. And each cruise will be given the same warmth and generosity, as per Qatar’s spirit.”
ENDS
About Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority
Launched by the Emiri Decree (24) in 2007, Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority (QTEA)’s role is to organize, enable, and supervise tourism industry development in Qatar, as well as represent and promote Qatar as a quality tourism destination for leisure, business, education, and sport. Qatar tourism and exhibitions authority gets actively involved in organizing events and promotions which positively reflect on the general image of Qatar as an evolving tourism destination.
