LONDON: In a series of high-profile meetings during the WTM London, Qatar Tourism has solidified its position as a key player in the global tourism market through strategic partnerships with major industry stakeholders.
Key agreements, including several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), were signed with leading organisations, setting the stage for increased tourism to Qatar and the wider region.
One of the most notable collaborations took place between Qatar Tourism and Celestyal Cruises, a renowned cruise line specialising in the Eastern Mediterranean. The MoU will see Celestyal enhance its charter operations to Qatar, particularly targeting visitors from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
This partnership aims to boost visitor numbers from countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan, tapping into the growing demand for Mediterranean cruises.
The launch event for Celestyal Cruises' Arabian Adventures itinerary, homeporting in Doha, will take place on November 29, 2024, with the Celestyal Journey cruise expected to arrive in the city on November 28. With the forecast of 6,000 passengers in season one and 13,000 in season two, this new initiative is poised to be a significant draw for international tourists.
In another major move, Kazunion/Rustar joined forces with Qatar Tourism to further develop and enhance charter flight operations between Qatar and select CIS markets. The signing of this MoU is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to attract more visitors from these key regions by providing more direct access to the country.
The new charter services are expected to significantly increase the flow of tourists to Qatar, especially from markets with growing interest in Middle Eastern destinations.
Expedia, the global online travel agency, also inked a partnership agreement with Qatar Tourism during the event. The MoU between the two organizations aims to expand Qatar’s global reach by promoting the destination on Expedia’s extensive platform.
As one of the world’s leading online travel booking websites, Expedia will help increase visibility for Qatar’s tourism offerings, from flights and hotels to curated vacation packages and activities.
This collaboration aligns with Qatar's goal of attracting more international travelers to the country, especially through online channels.
Additionally, Visit Qatar announced its sponsorship of the Connections Luxury event, set to take place in February 2025. This prestigious event will bring 100 high-end luxury travel buyers to Qatar, offering a unique opportunity for Qatari stakeholders to showcase the country's luxury tourism products.
Qatar Tourism has committed to supporting the event to highlight its growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury travel, and the sponsorship aims to further solidify Qatar's position in the global luxury market.
At the event, Qatar’s tourism officials also engaged in bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism. A tour of the Saudi Tourism stand provided an opportunity for Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, and Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, to explore potential future collaborations between the two countries.
This visit underscored the growing cooperation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the tourism sector, with discussions focusing on cross-border tourism and the shared potential for cultural and religious tourism.
In another key development, the Saudi delegation was invited to visit Qatar's stand, where officials from both countries had the chance to engage in further dialogue on mutual tourism initiatives. This visit is part of broader discussions between Visit Qatar and Visit Saudi, exploring the possibility of a joint destination offering to attract more tourists to both nations.
The collaboration includes a partnership with several Saudi tourism bodies, including the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and the Hail Region Development Authority. By joining forces, Qatar and Saudi Arabia aim to offer a seamless travel experience for visitors looking to explore both countries.
In a statement issued on the occasion, Qatar Tourism said, "These partnerships, combined with the strategic agreements signed during the event, signal a new chapter in Qatar’s tourism development.”
With ambitious plans to diversify its tourism sector, it said, "sacrificeQatar is positioning itself as a hub for international travelers, offering a blend of modern luxury, cultural richness, and world-class experiences. As the country continues to build on these initiatives, the coming years are set to see an increase in both regional and international tourism, as Qatar strengthens its global tourism ties and enhances its infrastructure and offerings.”
"With these collaborations, Qatar’s tourism future looks bright, and the country is poised to attract a diverse and ever-growing number of visitors from around the world,” the statement said.