Experts and observers of the tourism sector expected an increase in hotel occupancy rates by 70 to 80 percent during the blessed Eid Al-Fitr holiday, following the launch of the “Haya” platform in its new look, which allows 4 types of visas for visitors, in addition to the intention of “Qatar Tourism” to implement a calendar rich in entertainment activities. As well as special promotions and special offers for the country’s hotels and tourism facilities.
This comes after the State of Qatar’s recovery from the Corona (Covid-19) pandemic, the return of life to normal, and the recent strong hosting of major international events and events, on top of which is the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where these factors collectively contributed to the improvement in the performance of the tourism sector. And the local hotelier, and enhanced the quality of its operations, which encouraged many to make Doha their destination and tourist destination to spend their holidays there, especially the current Eid al-Fitr holiday, and enjoy the various entertainment programs, which the country usually witnesses during the period of religious and national holidays.
Tourism expert Ahmed Hussein said that facilitating the entry of visitors to Qatar through the “Haya” platform, which included a package of visas, will lead to an influx of tourists to the country, which will reflect positively on hotel occupancy, and raise occupancy rates from 70 percent to 80 percent during the Eid Al Fitr holiday. blessed.
In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he stressed that the calendar of activities and events that has been prepared will activate the tourism sector in all its branches, including hotels, restaurants, hospitality and other recreational facilities.
As part of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination, the State of Qatar aims to attract 6 million visitors annually, and raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product to 12 percent by 2030.
According to Qatar Tourism data, the total number of visitors to Qatar jumped during the months of January and February of this year by 347 percent on an annual basis to 730,000 visitors, compared to the same period last year, which confirms that Qatar has maintained the tourism momentum achieved by hosting the World Cup. World FIFA Qatar 2022.
The data indicates that the State of Qatar started the new year by registering 340,000 visitors in January 2023, an increase of 295 percent on an annual basis, and continued to attract visitors to reach 389,000 visitors last February, a record increase of 406 percent, compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect Qatar’s tourist attraction as a destination for visitors from all over the world.
According to the events of the Planning and Statistics Authority data, hotel occupancy rates during the month of February averaged 57 percent on an annual basis, compared to 56 percent with the same period last year, and the occupancy rate for five-star hotels reached 57 percent in February, compared to 49 percent. In the same month last year.
In the same context, tourism expert Ali Sabri said that Qatar started this year with ambitious plans for the tourism sector, pointing to the increase in the number of visitors since the first months of this year, which confirms that Qatar has become the focus of attention of tourists at the global level.
In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he pointed out that the high level of safety and recreational facilities enhance opportunities to attract family tourism, which makes Qatar a favorite destination for families for all visitors from different countries of the world, noting that hotels are likely to witness an increase in the number of visitors. And residents for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which raises its occupancy rates to levels of up to 80 percent.
The launch of the “Haya” platform in its new look is expected to constitute a strong impetus for the tourism sector and increase the flow of tourists to Qatar, as the platform, in its new look, allows 4 types of visas, including the tourist visa, which holders of any nationality can apply for, and the visa for residents of the Council of Ministers. Cooperation for all professions, the visa for the escorts of GCC citizens, and the electronic travel notification visa known as ETA, which is without restrictions and is for all holders of visas and residences of the countries of America, Canada, Schengen countries, Britain, New Zealand and Australia.
Those wishing to visit Qatar can apply for these visas through a single platform through which the application is submitted and the visa is received, and the platform provides all the services needed by the visitor, such as maps, means of transportation, offers and events held in Qatar, in addition to the visitors benefiting from the exclusive discounts that will be included in the platform. almost.
It is noteworthy that the visas of the “Haya” platform are touristic and unfit for work, and that their duration is calculated according to the period and the countries from which the visitor comes, and starts from 30 days. As for the time period for issuing the visa, the matter relates to the number of applications that are received and processed, but in the majority For most requests, there is a plan to respond to them within no more than 48 hours.
As part of the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, Qatar Tourism announced a package of events and entertainment shows that will be organized as part of its campaign "Eid in Qatar"in cooperation with Qatar Airways, during the period from the twenty-first to the twenty-third of this April, and the people of Qatar, its visitors and residents will witness a joyful festive atmosphere and entertainment shows, including lyrical and musical concerts performed by the most famous singers and artists in the Arab world, and shows for children full of joy and vitality, and activities Varied across the country, Doha hosts the famous show "Shaun the Sheep" Which is very popular with children over the course of three days in the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. A sports festival and live entertainment will be organized by the most famous artists in the Asian city.
The people and visitors of Qatar who wish to spend the Eid holidays in Qatar will have plenty of accommodation options offered by Qatar’s diverse and luxurious group of world-class hotels.
With the curtain falling on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar is moving steadily towards the future to achieve its National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy, and the tourism sector comes at the forefront of sectors that enhance this trend by raising its contribution to the gross domestic product from 7 percent. to 12 percent, in addition to doubling job opportunities in it, while continuing efforts to enhance Qatar’s position as a leading global destination for service excellence.
The recent selection of Doha as the capital of Arab tourism for the year 2023 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism is an additional step towards consolidating its position as an attractive tourist destination.
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