Qatar: A great destination for cruise tourism
Cruise tourism, which started in Qatar just a few years ago, has grown into a major force.
Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji said the recently concluded 2023-24 cruise season was a resounding success, underlining the country’s position as a premier cruise tourism destination.
The season, which began in October 2023 and concluded in April 2024, witnessed an impressive surge in the number of passengers and ships.
According to Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar, the total number of visitors during the season crossed 378,000, representing a substantial 38% increase.
The 2023/‘24 #cruise #season at #DohaPort is deemed the biggest ever, with over 378,000 passengers arriving—a 38% increase from the previous season, confirming #Qatar's position as an attractive destination for cruises in the region. pic.twitter.com/tNa73hRgtd
— Mwani Qatar (@MwaniQtr) April 29, 2024
The number of turnaround passengers also increased to 68,050, equivalent to an impressive 83.2% increase.
The season also saw a 33% increase in the number of ships docking at the Old Doha Port, going up to 73 from 55.
Al Kharji said several factors helped the country achieve the record numbers.
“There is no doubt that Doha has become a destination for cruise tourism in the area due to the developments witnessed in the Doha Port facilities, and the great diversification of the experiences offered to the cruise tourists and cruise liners,” he was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.
He said many cruise liners were making their maiden journeys to the country, reflecting Qatar’s emergence as a top global destination.
“The cruise season witnessed a number of maiden journeys by cruise liners to the Gulf region, which reflects Qatar’s rising stature as a leading global destination. It also enhances Qatar’s stature and history in the field of cruise tourism,” he said.
MSC Virtuosa, Seabourn Encore, AIDAprima, and Artania were some of the vessels that docked at the port this season.
Six international cruise ships — Crystal Symphony, Mein Schiff 2, Azamara Journey, MS Riviera, MS Hamburg, and the award-winning Norwegian Dawn — also made their maiden journeys to Qatar.
Most of the cruise passengers originated from Germany, Italy, Russia, Kazakhstan, UK, Spain, China, USA, Uzbekistan, France, and various GCC countries.
While Germans accounted for 28% of passengers, Italians (11%) and Russians (6.7%), made the top-three.
Old Doha Port CEO Mohammed Al Mulla said the inaugural Qatar Boat Show 2024 — set to run from November 6 to 9 — was expected to be another show stealer. He said it was another testament of Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the tourism experience.
“The Boat Show is globally known. Basically it’ll be another field of the boats and won’t be limited to yachts,” said Al Mulla.
The event is expected to draw over 20,000 visitors from around the world, featuring 495 exhibitors and brands, showcasing the best in marine innovation and luxury.
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