DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) — Mega ships have been arriving at Doha Port ahead of cruise ship season, as the country tries to attract more tourists.
With 21 ships expected to arrive between November and April this year, the Gulf country hopes to attract up to 50,000 tourists by the end of the season.
Qatari officials say they are promoting Doha as a stopover for cruise ships to diversify their tourism sector as part of the country’s new tourism strategy.
This comes at a time when tourist numbers from neighboring Gulf countries have decreased as a result of an ongoing diplomatic dispute.
Figures issued by the Qatar Tourism Authority shows a four percent decline in visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period last year. At the same time, visitors from Europe and the Americas grew by 10 percent and 7 percent respectively.
In August, Qatar announced visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries to encourage air transport and tourism amid a two-month boycott imposed on the Gulf state by its neighbors.
Imad Abu-Jalala of Gulf Adventures said the region is now attracting mega ships that can carry up to 3,000 passengers.
Prior to 2015, Doha port was unable to receive such large ships. The port is currently undergoing re-development work to accommodate the vessels.
Qatar is gradually receiving more visitors from Germany, looking to enjoy both cultural and recreational activities as part of a cruise ship experience.
Klaus Hildebrandt from German magazine FVW Medien said Qatar particularly appealed to people in their 50s, who have both time and money.
Visitors from the six-nation GCC previously accounted for almost half of all visitors to Qatar.
