Vision of the Indian Market

Qatar’s growing relationship with the Indian market

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, QATAR TOURISM

Qatar, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing destinations, has become a top choice for Indian tourists. With its bustling atmosphere and a variety of tourism assets, the country o ers the best of the Middle East all in one safe and accessible place. Qatar is a destination that evokes emotions, making it an ideal choice for discerning Indian travellers who seek to discover the country’s intriguing heritage and natural beauty. It appeals to a wide range of visitors, including families, independent travellers, couples, groups of friends, and business travellers. With over 2.5 million tourists visiting the destination last year, and more international visitors expected in 2023, the destination aims to maintain its momentum, and the Indian market is a priority for Qatar in this regard. We are con dent that the recent openings of new hotels, theme parks, cultural hotspots, shopping malls, and other attractions will leverage tourism assets to cater to Indian visitors. We are also planning multiple exciting events this year, which will further boost interest across all markets, including India. To mention a few, e Grand Prix 2023 Formula One and 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix are planned for October and November, respectively. Some of the trends that we are noticing in the Indian outbound tourism market are the interest in sustainable travel, a ordable luxury experiences, MICE tourism and destination weddings, as well leisure trips with a penchant for adventure. And Qatar’s tourism o erings can cater to these demands.

Sustainable Travel

Qatar has been taking signi cant strides towards becoming an environmentally friendly destination, with a focus on sustainable projects that have been in the works for years. First on the list is the world’s rst sustainable inner-city regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown Doha consisting of over 100 buildings. e project is now one of the highest concentrations of green buildings globally and o ers an automated electric tram that runs through the district free of charge. Another must-see district is Lusail, which is considered the most technologically advanced smart city not only in Qatar but globally. Travellers should also visit the National Museum of Qatar, an eco-friendly structure that has won multiple international awards and has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike since it opened in 2019. Sustainable transport is also a key focus in Qatar, with the Doha Metro boasting an electric regenerative braking train system that helps reduce its carbon footprint. Furthermore, the metro stations operate under green building certi cation and have several green credentials.

Affordable Luxury

Qatar is an excellent destination for travellers looking to indulge in luxury experiences without breaking the bank. e country boasts a plethora of hotels and resorts that cater to di erent budgets and preferences. Moreover, visitors can take advantage of various deals and packages that make their stay even more a ordable. To help travellers nd the best deals, we have compiled a list of top o ers on the Visit Qatar website, making it easy for visitors to access all the deals in one place.

Additionally, Qatar Airways o ers stopover packages, allowing visitors to turn their onestop holiday into two. Visitors can stay in world-class hotels and resorts while enjoying a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to di erent interests and preferences. Whether it’s exploring the historic sites of Doha, enjoying the beautiful beaches, or indulging in the country’s delicious cuisine, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience in Qatar.

Mice And Celebrations

Various companies are seeking Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) opportunities in Qatar and we have noticed a rising interest from the

With over 2.5 million tourists visiting the destination last year, and more international visitors expected in 2023, the destination aims to maintain its momentum

Indian market. e compact nature of the Peninsula allows visitors to mix business with leisure, and the outstanding selection of business facilities and convention centres makes Qatar a premium MICE destination. e country is well-equipped to accommodate the growing demand and we have recently hosted over 800 professionals from Tata Consultancy Services and 1100 from Maruti Suzuki India Limited. With luxury at the helm, Qatar is also a popular wedding destination. Chic metropolitan venues, sprawling palatial resorts and eyecatching beachfront hotels make it an ideal destination for celebrating special occasions. In 2023, Qatar already hosted several large-scale Indian weddings amongst other spectacular events.

YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE

With the perfect year-round weather, Qatar is an ideal destination for short and long holidays or even a quick stopover. It o ers an abundance of undiscovered experiences suitable for every type of trip and traveller, and Indian visitors are excited to explore Qatar’s unique tourism o erings, especially due to the easy connection between India and Qatar, with a short ying time of three to four hours. Indian travellers looking for adventure can embark on a desert safari and try sandboarding, go kayaking through mangroves, or spot Whale Sharks gathering in large numbers o Qatar’s coast. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy over 20 sandy beaches along Qatar’s 563 kilometres of coastline, o ering various outdoor activities from scuba diving to kitesur ng. Families visiting Qatar can also enjoy a plethora of adventure activities suitable for all ages. Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park o er exciting rides that cater to both children and adults. Families can also visit the world’s largest indoor theme park, Quest and the recently opened Lusail Winter Wonderland. Apart from adventure, travellers can also discover Qatar’s awe-inspiring architecture, traditional souks, world-class museums, an ever-expanding selection of premium spas as well as cuisines ranging from local and traditional fare to modern and international gastronomy. ose looking for a satisfying retail experience can explore the newly opened Parisian department store Printemps Doha, the biggest luxury mall Place Vendome in the Middle East, and the Venice-inspired Villagio mall amongst others. BTI