Qatar expects 200,000 cruise visitors by April

Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar forecast more than 50 cruise liners will dock with approximately 200,000 visitors from now to 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.

Qatar cruises

During the Fifa 2022 World Cup in Qatar the Doha Port saw cruise liners including MSC World Europa, MSC Opera and MSC Poesia act as “floating accommodation” for thousands of international fans in what proved to be a very popular tournament.

Tourists visiting Doha on a cruise are within walking distance of attractions such as the National Museum, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Doha Corniche, where visitors can take in stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support at the national tourism authority, said: “The 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.

“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.”