From cutting-edge hotels to world-class sporting events, by 2030, Qatar hopes to attract six million visitors a year. Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer for Qatar National Tourism Council, reveals its master plan.
How is Qatar leading the way as a tourism destination of the future?
“With tourism an important pillar of the ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’, our goal at QNTC is to establish Qatar as a world-leading destination and welcome more than six million visitors a year by 2030. To achieve our mission, an extensive tourism development strategy is underway as we work to diversify and build our appeal for residents and visitors.
“There are over 100 hotels currently under construction, which will meet the needs of every budget and itinerary; on top of the already existing 160-plus properties. Qatar has something for everyone and offers the best of the Middle East in one place. With five-star resorts and hotels, a diverse culinary scene, museums and cultural sights as well as a wide range of outdoor activities available, the country is an ideal destination for travellers.”
How have you been developing your tourism proposition while borders have been closed?
“We have spent the time investing in new and existing tourism assets as well as implementing world-leading health and safety measures in preparation to welcome visitors back when it is safe to do so.
“QNTC has also rolled out the best in class ‘Qatar Clean’ programme in partnership with Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in all hotels and sectors across the country. This means there is a host of measures including social distancing, frequent sanitisation of surfaces and touchless payments, to ensure a safe experience in hotels, shopping malls, and many of the country’s health clubs and salons.
“Additionally, a number of hotels and resorts have opened, including Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, the seventh Hilton hotel in the region. The resort is set across 3.5km of private beaches, where guests can stay in their own beach villa with private pools and gardens. It also includes the Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, which sprawls 57,000 sqm and features 28 slides and rides.
“We will welcome Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, a unique sustainable resort in Khasooma, which is set to be the first wellbeing resort in the region and the biggest wellness destination in the country. The resort will offer treatments and facilities for sun-seeking families or couples looking to escape to the Arabian dunes.
“We’ll also see Ras Brouq, scheduled to open in 2022, a collection of 48 thoughtfully designed tented villas, assimilated into the desert landscape and the Bin Ghannam Eco Resort, which aims to encourage the local population to improve their knowledge of the conservation of ecology and biodiversity.”