Santhosh Chandran
Doha
WITH the most beautiful and one-of-its-kind sand dunes in the region, Qatar is increasingly becoming the most favourite destination for winter tourists as it offers a combination of exciting desert rides and magnificent sight of the crystal blue sea, an uncommon scene in the region.
To explore the potentials of outstanding beauty of sand dunes at the Sealine, tour operators across the country have come up with special packages for winter stay at makeshift cottages on sand dune slopes that oversee the sea.
Travel and tour operators believe that the on-arrival visa facilities for many countries, like India, will bring additional number of tourists to Qatar during winter, particularly as the short winter holidays for students in such countries fall in January and February.
Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI), Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways had, in 2017, announced visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries.
According to tour operators, the number of tourists from South Asia has steadily increased by up to 30 per cent after the new visa regime to Qatar and the easy application process online.
AP Manikantan, director of Fal Travel Mart, which has wide network in India and Qatar, said:"Sand dunes in Qatar are the most favourite destination for the people from South Asian countries and Europe. Qatar Tourism Authority's (QTA) advertisement on social media which features the beauty of sand dunes has made sand dunes in Qatar very popular. We have announced special packages exclusively for sand dune lovers."
Fal Travel Mart is one among the few tour and travel operators recognised by QTA.
"Unlike in other countries of the region, the sand dunes in Qatar extend to the sea bank. This is very special and rare. Attracted by the unique beauty of sand dunes, business establishments and socio-cultural mix in Qatar, many winter tourists have shown interest in visiting the country and staying in cottages surrounded by sand dunes. Our offices in India have launched a special campaign with attractive packages," Manikantan said.
During a visit to the sand dunes in Mesaieed, a member of an Indian expatriate alumni association, said:"A journey through Qatar's sand dunes is always a wonderful experience with the cleanliness of its surroundings and the outstanding beauty of sand dunes that slopes down to the bluish sea waters."
Moreover, the Civil Defence and the police have taken necessary steps in an effort to ensure the safety of tourists on roads, Sealine beaches and sand dunes.
Experts believe that the new move by Qatar Airways is expected to raise the number of visitors to the country from 2.9 million in 2015 to over five million within three years as the tourism sector has become a major contributor to Qatar's economy.