Qatar to transform current Doha port to cruise terminal

The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) plans to transform the current Doha port to a cruise terminal, comprising a residential area, large retail shopping area, a hotel and a number of restaurants.

This was announced by QTA chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in Abu Dhabi.

“The new cruise terminal is one of many infrastructure investments underway to upgrade the venues and facilities for the tourism sector,” he told an audience of regional ministers, tourism leaders and leading cruise and industry professionals.

“The presence of a home port for cruise lines would enhance not only Qatar but the Gulf’s position as a tourist destination and promote economic diversity. As the tourism industry develops in Qatar and across the Gulf, the cruise market can be a pillar of growth that accelerates our efforts and brings more people to discover the products on offer”.

Al-Mohannadi urged cruise operators to co-operate with local tourism offices to promote cruise tours for the Gulf citizens to encourage regional tourism on board of the cruises.

“We are aware of the importance of cruise industry and are working towards making significant investments in infrastructure to meet the opportunity and drive demand in the region.

“QTA aims to play a major role in developing regional itineraries and facilities in order to make the Gulf region an attractive route to the cruise industry as it gains in prominence as a cruise location,” the QTA chairman said.

Al-Mohannadi recognised the importance of collaboration among Gulf states in attracting a greater cruise industry presence.

He pointed to upcoming events such as the UAE hosting Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar hosting FIFA World Cup in 2022. The port will also contribute to attracting more tourists that will be able to visit Doha via different modes of transport.

The QTA chairman pointed to how cruise industry growth fits within the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTS-2030). Aligning with the goals set for increased visitors to Qatar and increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The NTS-2030 will serve as the road map for the sector’s development in the coming years. QTA has a key role to play in co-ordinating the development of a sustainable tourism sector in Qatar, and growing tourism’s contribution to a diversified national economy.

The scene is set for continued growth, as new infrastructure readies to accelerate the growth of the sector. Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre is under construction and Hamad International Airport, Doha Metro and other infrastructure projects will serve the tourism industry.

Cruise tour operators welcomed the idea of transforming the current Doha port due to its location at the heart of touristic destinations such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Musheireb, the Corniche, the under construction Qatar National Museum and its proximity to Hamad International Airport, which will facilitate the transportation of tourists from and to the cruises.