Travel & Tourism

PAGE | 2 PAGE | 4 Qatar Airways places Qatar emergingging its mark on its 20th as gateway ttoo anniversary year the world

SPONSORS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2017

Pic: Sajad Sahir QTA looking forward to attract more visitors

Raynald Rivera cruise ships which comprise Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. The The Peninsula more than half scheduled for Board will guide the overall calls in the current season. development of the sector, mon- s 2017 comes to an Since the 2017/2018 cruise itor tourism sector performance, end, Qatar’s tourism season began two months back, and ensure cross-sector collab- sector looks forward Qatar has welcomed several oration and focus. to a more fruitful ships including mega cruise ships The Board of the National year after another Mein Schiff 5 with nearly 4,000 Tourism Council will also over- yearA of great achievements, and passengers and just recently MSC see three new entities that will challenges turned into successes Splendida which carried more be charged with developing and investment opportunities. than 4,000 passengers onboard large-scale tourism products and Globally, tourism is consid- and is expected to make five experiences, promoting the des- ered one of the most resilient more calls during the current tination internationally, and sectors, able to withstand eco- season. “Qatar is fast becoming consolidating the efforts of exist- nomic and security hardships. a more mainstream destination ing stakeholders in the business Here in Qatar, it has become a for cruise ships, as evidenced by events sub-sector. priority sector supported by Emir the growing number of mega The strategy lays out plans H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad ships docking in our ports,” said and measures that are designed Al Thani, as one of the core pil- Al Ibrahim. to ensure favourable experiences lars in Qatar’s pursuit of a diverse Cruise tourism in Qatar is at every touch point of the visi- and sustainable economy. witnessing exponential growth tor’s journey. “With the support of Qatar’s with the past season recording a These include programs to leadership and its institutions, year-on-year increase of over facilitate interactions and shared this year has witnessed ground- 1,000 percent in the number of ambassadors, helping us to pro- the cusp of great growth and Shura Council, to move forward experiences between Qatar’s res- breaking policy developments, passengers arriving at Doha’s mote Qatar as a destination for change. The Next Chapter of the with the speedy implementation idents and its guests, as well as record-breaking growth in the shores. The current season, authentic experiences in our key Qatar National Tourism Sector of the National Tourism Sector the creation of tourism experi- cruise industry, and the launch which will run until April 2018, source markets.” Strategy, launched in September Strategy, indicates the impor- ence units in all relevant public of new nation-wide festivals is expected to bring 21 cruise Al Ibrahim added that the of this year during World Tour- tance placed on tourism by Qatar and private sector entities that which have had significant eco- ships and nearly 50,000 cruise Doha Port Redevelopment ism Day celebrations, aims to and its wise leadership,” said Al will be tasked with ensuring that nomic impact. Because of the passengers to Qatar. Project, which is well under way, attract 5.6 million visitors to Ibrahim. their organisations’ services are solid groundwork we have laid, “Growing Qatar’s share of sets Qatar on track to grow its Qatar annually by 2023, double To achieve the Next Chap- continuously enhanced to pro- the Next Chapter of our journey cruise tourists is a significant part capacity for cruise tourists and the number which the country ter’s targets, Qatar’s leadership vide remarkable experiences for towards developing the sector of our strategy to diversify source become a turnaround port. Once welcomed in 2016. has announced a new govern- Qatar’s visitors. promises prosperity, countless markets,” said Rashed Al Qurese, complete, the port will be a per- Also by 2023, the strategy ance structure for the tourism The next five years will opportunities for investors, pro- Chief Marketing and Promotion manent cruise terminal and aims to have increased tour- sector to coordinate, consolidate also witness intensive efforts fessionals and the people of the Officer at QTA. “Though the sea- tourist hub, with capacity for two ism’s direct contribution to and focus the efforts of its key to ensure infrastructure, both country to develop this industry son has started recently, our mega cruise ships docking simul- Qatar’s GDP from QR19.8bn in members and stakeholders. physical and digital, is in place and celebrate our culture with year-to-date figures for 2017 taneously. Once all development 2016 to QR41.3bn, representing In 2018, Qatar Tourism to facilitate visitors’ journeys the world,” said Hassan Al Ibra- already show a 6% increase in projects are complete, cruise a direct contribution to the GDP Authority will become the to, from and within Qatar. In him, Chief Tourism Development European visitors compared to tourism is projected to attract of 3.8 percent compared to 3.5 National Tourism Council, and addition, training programmes Officer in Qatar Tourism Author- last year. By sampling various over 500,000 visitors to Qatar percent in 2016. will report to a Board of high- will be developed and pro- ity (QTA). elements of life in Qatar in a and generate QR350m annually “His Highness’ directive, level representatives, chaired by vided to all government and Cruise tourism continues to short space of time, cruise tour- by 2026. given in his speech at the open- Prime Minister and Interior Min- private sector employees in grow attracting more mega ists are also becoming our best Qatar’s tourism industry is on ing of the 46th session of the ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin tourist-facing jobs.

CHAIRMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani Dr. Khalid M Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR SUPPLEMENT COORDINATOR DESIGN IMAGE PROCESSING Mohammed Salim Mohamed Ahmed Eltigani Idris Abraham Augusthy Mohd Sajad Sahir 2 3 Qatar Airways places its mark on its 20th anniversary year Unique limited-edition postage stamps celebrate 20 years of success Qatar Airways launches service to St Petersburg atar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha Four exclusive designs commemorate to St Petersburg landed on December 19 at QPulkovo Airport, marking the airline’s second some of the airline’s biggest achievements gateway in Russia. Qatar Airways flight QR279, oper- ated by the state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) at atar Airways continued its ongoing cele- Qatar Post Chairman and Managing Director 07:30, and arrived at Pulkovo Airport at 13:50. brations of its 20th anniversary with four Faleh Al-Naemi said: “Our collaboration with Qatar On board the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to unique commemorative postage stamps Airways on this unique imprint is a combined cel- St Petersburg, Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- issued in partnership with the Qatar Postal ebration for the State of Qatar and its five-star tive, Akbar Al Baker, was joined by Nurmakhmad QService Company (Qatar Post). The airline. Qatar Post is pleased to participate in the Kholov, the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to stamps, which went on sale locally from Novem- production of the 20th anniversary stamps for Qatar Qatar. The VIP delegation was greeted upon arrival ber 30, 2017, serve as a historic milestone of Qatar Airways, which will be one of the monumental by Vladimir Yakushev, Pulkovo Airport Chief Exec- Airways’ world-class achievements throughout the records in our nation's history.” utive Officer; Fahad bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, last two decades. Qatar Post produced a total of 160,000 stamps Qatar’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation; Alex- Qatar Airways’ new limited-edition stamp col- which will be sold for QR5 each to the general public. ander Golovin, Chairman of the Committee on lection consists of four unique designs following a Qatar Post is the national provider of postal services Transport, Member of the Government of St Peters- timeline of some of the airline’s many accomplish- in Qatar, since it was established in 1950. The com- burg; and Andrey Mushkarev, Chairman of the ments. The first is in honour of Qatar Airways pany operates 29 branches across the country, Tourism Development Committee of St achieving a 50-strong fleet of aircraft in 2006, with handling all domestic and international operations, Petersburg. the second stamp celebrating the airline adding its including e-Government postal services. Akbar Al Baker said: “I am delighted to touch 100th destination to its global route map in 2011. These four stamps highlight only a handful of down on board our first commercial flight to St. The third design highlights Qatar Airways Qatar Airways’ numerous accomplishments Petersburg. Following the great success of our Mos- becoming the Global Launch Customer of the world’s achieved throughout the last 20 years. The award- cow route, we are extremely happy to extend our very first Airbus A350-900 in 2015, while the fourth winning airline has received scores of accolades, reach into Russia. By launching this new route, we stamp pays tribute to two of the airline’s latest suc- this year including ‘Airline of the Year’, by the pres- are committing to further supporting the Russian cesses in 2017: reaching its 20th year anniversary tigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, for a market, and providing inbound and outbound pas- and being awarded ‘Airline of the Year’, for the fourth winning time. sengers a seamless journey through the skies.” fourth time, by Skytrax. In addition to being voted ‘World’s Best Airline’ St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city after Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national Moscow, is considered an important Russian port Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to commem- carrier also marked its 20th anniversary by win- on the Baltic Sea. The culturally diverse city is filled orate its 20th anniversary by sharing these symbolic ning a raft of other major awards at this year’s with historical architectural gems, including the stamps with the people of Qatar. The stamps cele- ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral. Pulkovo brate Qatar Airways exceptional expansion as the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Airport Chief Executive Officer, Vladimir Yakushev, fastest-growing airline in the world. Class Airline Lounge.’ said: “The launch of Qatar Airways service from “Through these mementos, we express our pride Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of more Doha to Pulkovo St Petersburg Airport represents Petersburg, Qatar Airways operated its Boeing B787 With more than 10 tonnes of belly hold cargo in being Qatar’s national carrier and in having than 200 aircraft to a network of more than 150 key new extraordinary possibilities for the city’s busi- Dreamliner, offering on board passengers a flight capacity per week to and from St Petersburg on reached so many major milestones within the air- business and leisure destinations across Europe, the ness and leisure travel market. With the exquisite experience like no other. In future, Qatar Airways board the A320 aircraft, which serves this new route, line’s short presence in the industry. We cannot think Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and product offered by the airline, St Petersburg will will operate its daily St Petersburg service with an Qatar Airways Cargo is delighted to be further of a more memorable way to present our numer- South America. The airline is launching a host of receive a boost of both inbound and outbound tour- Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 flatbed seats expanding its import and export services in Russia. ous achievements than through these historic stamps exciting new destinations planned for the remain- ism once connected to Qatar Airways’ worldwide in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. The launch of service to St. Petersburg has increased issued by Qatar Post, and we hope they travel as far der of this year and 2018, including Canberra, route network via one of the most vibrant global Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s supe- the overall belly hold cargo capacity to and from and as wide as our airline’s extensive global Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand and Cardiff, U.K, to air hubs, Hamad International Airport, in Doha.” rior entertainment system offering passengers a Russia, with more than 40 tonnes being transported network.” name just a few. To celebrate the airline’s inaugural flight to St wide variety of entertainment options. each way per week.

Immerse yourself in Canberra

Unspoiled nature and cultural attractions abound in Australia’s vibrant capital. Start your day with an epic hot air balloon ride before visiting the city’s diverse selection of museums and galleries, restaurants and public gardens. Whether you are on the ground or in the skies, Canberra has an abundance of spectacular sights to discover.

qatarairways.com

YOU COULD BE HERE 4 Qatar emerging as gateway to the world

ourism in Qatar brings bustling with fishermen and merchants, together modern and tradi- and was one of the largest trade points tional styles in its architectural in the region, particularly for pearl trade. designs which visitors to The area was registered in 2009 as a Qatar can see in the old mar- protected area. Tkets, museums, skyscrapers, unrivaled In 2013, the World Heritage Com- sports venues, hotels and malls. All these mittee inscribed Al Zubarah reflect Qatar’s cultural movement rich Archaeological Site into the Unesco in local identity and open to the cultures World Heritage List. The site includes of the world. three major features, the largest of The hospitality sector has a spe- which are the archaeological remains cial place in Qatar not only for its role of the town, dating back to the 1760s. in promoting the tourism sector and Connected to it is the settlement of Qal’at providing all the comforts of Qatar res- Murair, which was fortified to protect idents and visitors, but also represents the city’s inland wells. Al Zubarah Fort a natural extension of Qatar’s culture was built in 1938 and is the youngest, and heritage. Hotels are one of the most prominent feature at the site. main attractions for tourists coming Built in the heart of the desert 110 to Doha from around the year and will km northwest of Doha is Al Rakayat Fort cater to the large number of visitors which is dating back to the 19th century. expected to come to Qatar in light if A freshwater well sits in the fort and the the continued preparations for the scattered remains of a village can be 2022 FIFA World Cup. found nearby. A recent report by the Qatar Tour- Al Rakayat is the Arabic word for ism Authority (QTA) revealed that the ‘well’ and it is believed that the fort was hospitality industry witnessed a signif- built to protect the essential sources of icant growth as preparations for the water in the area. It is a typical of desert 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Cup are forts, with three rectangular towers and being continued, where the number of one cylindrical one. Three sides of the rooms grew by 9 percent, in addition to Pics: Sajad Sahir central courtyard are aligned with nar- the 117 hotel facilities in operation, row rooms without windows and doors which brings the total to around 23,000 fascinating present, as visitors to Qatar that open onto the light and spacious rooms. The report also pointed out that who stay in one of the skyscrapers can courtyard. the total number of hotel rooms still enjoy visiting the remains of ancient vil- There are other ancient forts on the under construction is 20,580, of which lages and castles in the Qatari towns and north-western coast of Qatar that can 8,433 are five-star rooms (41 percent of contemplate some of its Arab-Qatari- also be visited in Freiha, Ruwayda, Al the total number), 3,476 four-star rooms Islamic architecture without forgetting Yousufiya, Bir Hussain, Thaqab and (17 percent) and 1,132 three-star rooms. the pleasure of the popular markets, Zikrit. On the eastern coast, there are According to the report, the hotel which the state is making great efforts forts at Al Huwaila, Zarqa and Athba, rooms under construction included to maintain, as they tells important and in the areas surrounding Doha, at 2,063 luxury hotel apartments (10 per- chapters of the history of Qatar in archi- Al Koot, Umm Salal Mohammed and Al cent of the total number) and 529 tecture, art, commerce and old life in Wajba, Qatar’s oldest fort. standard hotel apartments (3 percent) general. in addition to100 two-star rooms. Qatar enjoys a vast cultural diver- Sports tourism The QTA pointed that the number sity that gives the visitor a unique of hotel rooms currently available is experience, as diverse cultures reside Years ago, Qatar attracted the world 10,365 five-star rooms (45 percent), in one place. The communities residing by organizing the tops sports events, and 8,021 four-star rooms (35 percent) and in the country from different nations add hosting many major tournaments, such 2,268 three-star rooms in addition to more cultures of the peoples, reflecting as tennis, squash and rally competitions, 254 two-star rooms and more than the depth of communication and open- Doha also hosted the Doha Asian Games 2,000 luxury and standard hotel ness to different cultures. 2006, and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, and apartments. In addition to this amazing cultural succeeded in organising the interna- Doha hotels are witnessing a high diversity, museums and archeological tional friendly match between Brazil occupancy rate of more than 90 per- sites in the country add another dimen- and England in November 2009, as well cent in many times, supported by the sion to tourism. Qatar Museums actively as organizing The Super Derby of the Qatar Tourism Authority and other pro- and effectively enrich cultural tourism Latin Americas between Brazil and motional activities that serve not only and focus heavily on engaging the local Argentina. Qatar has also hosted the attracting visitors from the Gulf coun- community and foreign visitors to enter 2015 World Men’s Handball Champion- tries and the world but also Qatar’s the world of cultural life by providing ship and has hosted many international citizens and residents, as well as the self-guided tours to them and offering and regional championships, making it facilities enjoyed by visitors coming to visitors a personal journey through the the destination of athletes and sports the state. museums and galleries of Qatar muse- fans all over the world. QTA has completed plans and fea- ums and heritage sites. Doha brought the giants of football sibility studies for the development of in the Italian league , when they hosted several tourism projects in preparation Katara the final of the Italian Super Cup twice for putting them up as investment in a row, where fans were waiting for opportunities. These are development In addition to these cultural monu- pleasure and excitement, so the pres- plans including visitor centers and out- ments, there is the Cultural Village ence of bright names playing football door activities such as walking, cycling, Foundation (Katara) with its unique on Doha is an event that is not repeated camping, camel riding, kayaking and visitors, but with the taste of Qatari his- The museum features a variety of location on the banks of the Gulf and its every day for the fans of the game, and other activities. Qatar also has several tory and culture. cultural events and exhibitions through- unique design that imitates old neigh- It is a dream for them, but Doha was on shopping malls that aim to provide all The Doha Souq Waqif, with its wind- out the year. Activities outside the main borhoods. It always hosts cultural and the promise to achieve their dream. the attractions for citizens, residents, ing stone-paved corridors, and its building extend to the adjacent garden, artistic activities. The annual calendar in the State of visitors and tourists, with a lot of enter- various fine restaurants offering vari- which is a social venue with activities Qatar has many events related to the tainment along with the largest and best ous dishes from the East and the West, all year round, including film shows, Historical sites tournaments it hosts, including Qatar international brands. becomes a center for special souvenirs, sports activities, art workshops and Commercial Bank’s annual golf tourna- The malls and commercial com- or for lovers of carpets and Bedouin tex- other events. Historical sites give you a historical ment , Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Qatar plexes are distributed in many areas in tiles, Arab coffee pots, incense burners, view of the past of Qatar and the region Tour (cycling), Qatar International Rally the State of Qatar in order to make it traditional copper tools, jeweled jewel- Cultural diversity in general. Sitting on the coast of north- (motor), Commercial Bank Grand Prix easier for people in Qatar or the visitor lery boxes, miniature models for ern Qatar is Al Zubarah, an ancient town of Qatar, Qatar Total Open , World Fenc- to visit them. The story of tourism has sailboats and artisan crafts. It is also an Qatar is an inspiring land of peace, which located 100km from Doha. It is ing Championships by the International not yet ended. Qatar has another art square that hosts musical festivals security and authentic Arabic hospital- one of the most important historical Fencing Federation (FIA) and The IAAF appointment with new success stories, in different seasons of the year, like Souq ity that gives you an unforgettable landmarks in Qatar that includes also Diamond League . Qatar also organizes ambitious plans and quality projects, Waqif Spring Festival and other musi- experience. In the midst of development an archaeological fort that is itself a high-caliber equestrian events, both that will definitely change the concept cal festivals by the Arab artists, as well and modernisation, cities in Qatar com- landmark that tells the history of the city. show jumping and full horse racing dur- of tourism in the region, especially after as various bouquets of heritage and bine between ancient past and Al Zubarah was once a flourishing port ing the winter months. it decided to exempt the citizens of 80 entertainment activities for families. Al countries from entry visa, in an effort to Wakra city, located south of the capital, attract millions of tourists, who will live has its traditional market ( Al Wakra a real luxury, and an extraordinary Souq Waqif ), which is similar in design experience in Qatar. and restaurants to Doha Souq Waqif . Medical tourism, leisure and family entertainment occupy an important role Museum of Islamic Art in the tourism map of Qatar, as the coun- try has an international facilities which Museums in Qatar are another tour- related to this this area, and a clear and ist attraction, and another destination ambitious vision recently culminated in for visitors looking for the past. The the launch of ‘Qatar National Tourism Museum of Islamic Art in the capital Strategy 2030’ inspired by Qatar Doha is the most important museum of National Vision 2030. its kind in the world. It contains collec- tions and masterpieces belonging to Doha Souq Waqif and different communities, collected from Wakra Souq Waqif the houses of princes, kings and ordi- nary people. Although the pieces in the Museum’s collections are primarily The popular markets in Qatar — related to Islam, many of them reflect Doha Souq Waqif and Wakra Souq another pattern of art. The museum does Waqif are unforgettable experience to not only impress you by its possessions, visitors. They have been restored to pre- but also its building, designed by the serve these historical monuments, and famous architect IM Pei is a masterpiece to form spaces for citizens, residents and and a prominent Qatari milestone.