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Destinations
Qatar
Qatar Tourism / ME1210
The Torch, Doha
With Qatar hosting the World Cup this year, 17 million ticket requests have already been made, according to FIFA
As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ soon approaches, Qatar has been making huge changes to the country, which in turn, have brought an array of new hotels, activities and sights for visitors to experience. Tourists are spoilt for choice, with a range of attractions to explore, from museums, galleries, markets and desert safaris to the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort. Doha, the country’s capital, has also positioned itself as the cultural capital. In addition to being home to some of the world’s best sporting facilities, it also houses international universities and one of the world’s best airports. The Katara Cultural District, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art are just a few of the city’s showcases reflecting the investments being made to boost the arts and culture scene. The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, revived the city’s old commercial district and transformed it into a unique attraction, home to retail and dining destinations, entertainment venues and hotels. From kayaking through one of the country’s protected mangrove regions to scuba diving along its coast, outdoor
lovers can enjoy water-based activities or immerse in the country’s natural desert terrain, where the likes of camel riding and jeep safaris allow visitors to escape to the other-worldly natural paradise. Some of the world’s most luxurious hospitality brands, all calling Doha home, are set to open this year. The destination has been rising in recent
years, even though the country has been amongst the most strict nations in the Gulf for closing borders. Qatar welcomed 2.136 million visitors in 2019, representing an increase of 17 percent compared to the same period in 2018, and this year with the World Cup, those will soar, with 17 million ticket requests already made according to FIFA.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
South Korea
Korea National Tourism Organization / AS2050
South Korea was one of the first countries to be hit by the pandemic in 2020 and became a role model for its mass testing and aggressive contact tracing measures, which helped keep infection rates low. According to Statista, in 2021, South Korea received approximately 967,000 inbound visitors, an overall growth since 2000. However, due to the pandemic, the number of visitors to South Korea initially fell by more than 85 percent,
before falling by a further 62 percent in 2021. Chinese visitors account for almost half of the incoming market. South Korea perfectly balances the timeless traditions of Asia with fast-moving advancements in the world of technology. The capital city, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis, where visitors can shop for the newest technological marvels and the latest designer labels before stopping off
South Korea balances the timeless traditions of Asia with fast-moving advancements in the world of technology Cheomseongdae Observatory
Seoul
at one of the city’s popular local restaurants or heading to a sky lounge to see the glittering city from above. Outside the capital, visitors have the chance to escape Seoul’s high rises to discover a host of stunning landscapes. Jeju Island has numerous beaches, perfect for the summer, as well as snowcapped mountains for the cold winters. The cherry blossom season can also rival that of Japan’s, while those seeking to explore the country’s history can head to one of the many temples or palaces.
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The World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung is a must-visit for its striking setting while the changing of the guard ceremonies at Gyeongbokgung is another attraction not to be missed. The nation is also home to Cheomseongdae Observatory, the world’s first astronomical laboratory, built during the seventh century. South Korea’s compact size and superb transport infrastructure make it easy to travel throughout the country, giving visitors plenty to explore.
09/05/2022 7:59 PM
