Doha emerges as cruise hub
Qatar's cruise industry has grown leaps and bounds in recent years.
As a result of various initiatives by QNTC and its partners, the 2018/19 season achieved 121 percent growth in the number of cruise passengers and 100 percent growth in the number of cruise ships, with over 140,000 passengers arriving aboard 44 ships.
The 2019-20 season is expected to be even bigger, with over 186,000 passengers and over 61,000 crew arriving on 74 ships.
Five ships will make their maiden calls to Doha this season.
This will be in addition to 16 turnaround calls, which will see 9 ships staying overnight at Doha Port, offering passengers the opportunity to explore Qatar's offerings.
Yesterday marked the start of the turnaround journeys as Costa Diadema, the fleet flagship of leading Italian company Costa Cruises, docked at Doha Port for the first time.
Doha’s emergence as a turnaround port marks a major milestone in the development of the country’s cruise tourism.
For the first time, visitors can begin and end their journey from Doha and have the opportunity to enjoy Qatar’s five-star airline and award-winning hospitality before and after their cruises.
Officials, including His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, secretary-general of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and GCEO of Qatar Airways; Ahmed Al Jamal, chairman of the General Customs Authority; Captain Hassan Al Maqeef, executive vice president, Commercial at Mwani Qatar, Rehan Ali, executive director of Al Tawfeeq Travels, and Ravi Ramachandran, general manager of Inchcape, among others, were present to on the occasion to welcome the cruise.
HE Al Baker also presented a plaque to the ship’s Captain Georgio Moretti.
H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and officials from @MOTC_QA, @MwaniQtr, Al Tawfeeq and Inchcape among others were present to receive Costa Diadema at #Doha Port today.@qatarairwaysar pic.twitter.com/5hSNT1joqs
— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 27, 2019
Welcoming Costa Diadema's arrival, Qatar's Minister of Transport and Communications, HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, said, "Doha Port continues to help in positioning Qatar as one of the most sought-after destinations among cruise travelers in the region, thanks also to the role played by National Tourism Council, the Qatar Ports Company and other stakeholders in providing distinguished services to cruise ships and the necessary facilities for their passengers."
Turnaround voyages contribute significantly to the country’s economy and strengthen the tourism sector.
In addition to visitor spending, the growth in Qatar’s cruise tourism is also contributing to the country’s economy through cruise line spending on port services and maintenance.
As the cruise season grows year-on-year, thousands of jobs and business opportunities are created.
HE Al Baker said, "Receiving turnaround calls is a great milestone for our cruise tourism, that will support the hospitality, retail and aviation sectors as thousands of passengers spend time exploring Qatar.
"We’re particularly pleased that our cruise visitors can experience the excitement of regional and international sporting events taking place this season. Together with support from our partners in public and private sectors, including global partners like Costa Cruises, Qatar is on its way to become a distinctive cruise hub in the region," he said.
With a capacity of 4,974 passengers and over 1,200 crew members, Costa Diadema is the latest addition to the fleet of Costa Cruises launched in 2014 and is currently the largest vessel flying an Italian flag.
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