Doha, June 14 (QNA) - In the past few years, the State of Qatar has become an ideal tourist destination and one of the most favored destinations for visitors who seek diversified experiences where the authenticity of the past meets the present and the future.
Qatar has all the elements of tourist attractions that suit various cultures, which are represented in its natural reserves, ancient castles, a chain of international hotels and resorts, public gardens and parks, restaurants, traditional local markets, and grand malls. Qatar is also seen as one of the worlds safest tourist destinations, and its visitors have the chance to explore the authenticity, welcomeness, and hospitality that characterize the Arab culture of the country.
Qatar's efforts in the tourism sector were further enhanced when Doha was chosen as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in February, a testimony to the impressive levels presented by Qatar in entertainment and hospitality sectors with ambitions of attracting six million visitors annually by 2030.
To support that direction, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) extended the validity of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans and organizers Hayya card until Jan 24, 2024, which allows the Hayya Card holders to use the "Hayya with me" service to 'Hayya with Me' feature, which allows Hayya card holders to invite up to three family members or friends, a multiple-entry permit to the country, and the use of the e-Gate system for entry and exit via state ports, while no fees are required, which is seen as a major step to strengthen the tourism sector.
Qatar has placed the tourism sector as one of the five priority sectors within the Qatar National Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, through which it is possible to build a more diversified economy and enhance the private sector's contribution to it. In this regard, Qatar relies on its strategic geographical location as flying hours from many of the world's major capitals are only 6 to 7 hours.
The advantage of the easy access is one of the pillars of tourist attractions in the State of Qatar, as 80% of the world's population can reach Qatar after a flight of no more than 6 hours, while more than two-thirds of the world's population can enter Qatar without a visa, under the slogan: the State of Qatar welcomes the world.
The national carrier of the State of Qatar and winner of the highest world aviation awards, Qatar Airways, operates flights to more than 150 destinations around the world, which include the most important capitals of the world in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, as well as North and South Americas. Meanwhile, Hamad International Airport also provides its services for more than 50 international airlines.
Tourism offers vary in 6 areas: coastal tourism, desert tourism, cultural tourism, exhibition and conference tourism, sports tourism, family and urban leisure tourism, and marine tourism, to ensure the balance between supply and demand in the hospitality sector and diversify tourist accommodation options.
Since winning the bid for organizing the FIFA World Cup 2022, the State of Qatar has been keen to achieve a comprehensive renaissance as providing the tourism sector with sufficient and necessary competencies and cadres as one of its bedrocks. In addition, Qatar encouraged international investments by simplifying procedures as a main pillar for the advancement and development of the tourism industry in a way that guarantees the provision of the most unique and diversified experiences for its visitors. As a result, the investors had a unique competitive advantage to set up their companies, being at the forefront of companies entering a fast-growing market. (MORE)