Breaking Travel News spotlight on QATAR

Following the successful hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar looks to build on the momentum to cement its place on THE global tourism map

Qatar Tourism has launched it’s a new campaign - ‘Feel More in Qatar’ - which aims to highlight its position as a premium destination and top spot in the Middle East for the well-travelled tourist.

Whether it’s a family looking to reconnect, or a couple longing for a vacation, ‘Feel More in Qatar’ seeks to bring to life the country’s rich emotional tapestry. Be it the famously warm traditional Qatari hospitality, the serenity of the country’s natural wonders or the aweinspiring architecture, the campaign showcases that a visit to Qatar genuinely stirs the senses for every member of a family, regardless of age.

Overall, the campaign demonstrates that Qatar offers families, couples and friends, not just a collection of things to do, but a superior emotional experience. Families can ‘feel more together,’ couples can ‘feel more connected’ and friends can ‘feel more fun’.

The year-round sunshine, adventurous activities, romantic experiences, cultural offerings, and much more, makes Qatar the perfect destination for families, couples and friends. The ‘Feel More in Qatar’ campaign forms part of the country’s longterm strategy to welcome six million visitors by 2030.

Commenting on the new campaign, chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group, Akbar Al Baker, said: “With its rich and fascinating heritage, natural beauty, and range of experiences to choose from, a visit to Qatar inspires positive emotional responses for all. Be it a couple on a short romantic getaway, or a family looking to spend quality time together, the country caters to all wants, needs and preferences, offering an array of truly authentic experiences that are genuinely unforgettable.”

The global campaign will operate in over 17 markets across the world, including Australia, the UK and Turkey. Taking a 360-approach, the campaign will be featured on TV, social media channels, digital channels, press channels, out-of-homes and have a dedicated website.

Cruise Sector

Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar also recently confirmed the return of the 2023 cruise season and forecast more than 50 cruise liners with approximately 200,000 visitors will arrive before the end of April 2023. Over the season, cruise liner passengers will be welcomed at the Cruise

Terminal, a newly designed infrastructure that pays homage to classic Arabian architecture. Docking in Doha Port, passengers will witness the newly renovated port that recently stood home to major international cruise liners.

Located at the port is the Mina District, one of the latest tourism destinations in the country, whereby residents and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse offering of restaurants and retail outlets or a refreshing stroll by the sea. For international passengers, the port is ideally situated within walking distance to iconic landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Doha Corniche, where visitors can take in stunning views of the skyline.

Commenting on the new cruise season, Maryam Saoud, head of tourism product support at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar’s cruise sector has a history of less than a decade, yet the sector has grown tremendously and now contributes an important pillar to our tourism strategy. We’re seeing continued, increasing preference for Qatar as a destination for both regular cruise calls and cruises with turnaround calls.”

He added: “Indeed, Doha Port’s strategic location in the heart of the city is truly unique and offers our visitors an excellent opportunity to make the most out of their time in Doha. We are ready to welcome thousands of new travellers who are guaranteed a distinct tourism experience in Qatar through the different tourism products on offer and in collaboration with our strategic partners.”

More Information

Find out more about visiting Qatar on the official tourism website at www.qatartourism.com or head over to Hall 2.2/207 here at ITB Berlin.

Qatar was recognised for the World's Leading Marketing Campaign by voters at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

On the heels of a strong recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic fallout, the 2023 Jamaica tourism forecast shows that the destination is on track to achieve 11 per cent growth. Gross foreign exchange earnings for the 2023 calendar year are also forecasted to reach US$4.12 billion, an estimated 13.3 per cent increase on 2022 earnings.

“Jamaica’s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections. We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for workers and the island’s economy. Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood and driver of economic growth and the industry’s growth means the country’s growth,” said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica minister of tourism.

The projected growth is based on Jamaica’s primary markets registering growth over the previous period, with Canada strengthening its position to deliver 39 per cent growth, the United States showing steady growth of seven per cent, and UK/Europe primarily demonstrating growth of 5.3 per cent through the eastern European markets.

“We could not achieve these successes without our partners. Our airline partners, tour operators, travel agents and so many more have contributed to the destination remaining top of mind and accelerating our recovery. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s focus on an integrated sales and marketing strategy, which is embedded in the pervasive use of new technologies along with a focus on new and emerging markets, has allowed the destination to leapfrog its own projections for growth,” said Donovan White, director of tourism with the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Last year, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and registered a remarkable recovery of earnings compared to pre-Covid earnings of 2019, with total estimated revenue of US$3.63 billion. As the destination recovery has outpaced earlier projections, there is a high possibility that full recovery could be realized a year earlier than predicted.

Spirit in the Sky

Continuing to expand ease of access to the island for US travellers, Jamaica has welcomed new air service from Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay from by Spirit Airlines.

The route is the first ever non-stop flight from Connecticut to Jamaica, making the arrival truly a historic one.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome a flight by Spirit from Connecticut to Jamaica, providing us with further reach into the key north-eastern United States,” said minister Bartlett.

“The expansion of our partnership with Spirit Airlines is a welcome addition to our airlift arrangements as we continue our drive to further boost the flow of visitors to Jamaica through the addition of new gateways and greater seat support.”

Upon landing in Montego Bay, the arriving flight received a high-spraying water cannon salute on the runway to mark the occasion. Disembarking passengers were greeted by officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board and the airport. In keeping with tradition, gifts were presented to the pilots and crew of the flight in appreciation of their service. Live music from a Jamaican mento band capped off the festive atmosphere.

Connecticut is home to one of the largest Jamaican communities in the world, with the fifth largest population of residents having Jamaican ancestry among all United States.

In addition to the new flight from Bradley International Airport now operating four times weekly year-round, Spirit also operates non-stop flights to Jamaica from Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

“This new non-stop service provides yet another convenient option for visitors to get to our beautiful island,” White. “It is wonderful to see so many people on board the very first flight, indicating strong demand for Jamaica from the Connecticut area.”

More Information

For more information about Jamaica visit www.visitjamaica.com - or head over to Hall 22/103B here at ITB Berlin 2023.

Jamaica was honoured with the titles of World’s Leading Family Destination and World’s Leading Wedding Destination by voters at the World Travel Awards in 2022.