Qatar malls and outlets get ready for summer festival

Many shops and boutiques at various malls in the country are expecting an influx of visitors for this year's month-long Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) which features attractive shopping promotions.

Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the rewards for shoppers include four BMW 7 Series and four Mini Cooper cars at the festival's weekly raffle draws.

Participating malls had seen a large number of visitors taking part in the promotion last year. This year, QTA said the number of malls which joined the promotion has increased.

A spokesman for Hyatt Plaza Shopping Mall said that shoppers would get one raffle coupon for every purchase worth QR200, similar to last year.

"It means that if they shop for let's say QR1,000, then they get five raffle coupons, which means they have more chances of winning a brand new car," an official of the mall said.

Different shops, boutiques and stores in each of the malls are also expected to launch their own promotions, offering special prizes for various items to entice customers.

Many of the sports shops at major malls in Doha have already launched their own promotions at the start of the Eid al-Fitr holidays which attracted many shoppers.

One supervisor from a shop disclosed that their shoes section alone sells goods worth around QR200,000 per day. Other sections are also performing well, earning more than QR300,000 daily since the start of the Eid al-Fitr.

Citing the increasing demand for sports equipment, apparel and accessories, he expects a surge in profit in other branches located in a number of malls during the festival.

In other major malls, some shop supervisors said they have yet to receive any circulars concerning the promotion. Last year, the festival had seen a large number of residents and visitors taking part .

QTA holds the weekly raffle draws at participating malls to announce the winners.

Many families in Doha, as well as in Al Khor, also expressed excitement on the scheduled opening of The Entertainment City at the Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) on August 1.

The main venue of the festival is now setting up the rides, stage (for the live shows), 'Colour your summer' section for children, food area and the mini shopping section.

QTA is also organising two 'ticketed concerts' on August 11 and 28, for the older age groups. It will also hold a 'Comedy Day' at Qatar National Covention Centre on August 29.

Like other tourism initiatives, QSF is part of QTA's efforts to bring in more tourists in the region and in different parts of the world.

QTA also established overseas offices to attract luxury travelers as it promotes Qatar as a high-end tourist destination.
These offices have recorded an increasing number of tourists coming from Europe.

Part of QTA's strategy is to launch several consumer campaigns and conduct trainings with sub agents. According to many hotel managers in Doha, the move will significantly help the country's hospitality sector .

Most QTA overseas office officials pointed out that the country's rich cultural heritage has been its major strength in tourism.

Besides arts and museums, they said Qatar's "sun element" has been appealing to many European travellers especially those coming from the UK.

For more info, check out #QSF2015 guide