Qatar Tourism’s highly anticipated 2023/2024 cruise season has officially kicked off with the arrival of the opulent ‘Crystal Symphony’ cruise ship in Doha. This marks the beginning of a remarkable cruise season, running through April 2024, and promises to be the country’s most significant cruise season yet. With 81 scheduled cruise calls and an estimated 350,000 passengers expected to visit, Qatar’s cruise industry is poised for unprecedented growth.
New Additions to the Cruise Lineup:
The 2023/2024 cruise season brings exciting novelties, as cruise ships such as the ‘Norwegian Dawn’ and ‘Le Bougainville’ make their debut in Qatar. Both ships will serve as full homeporting vessels, embarking from Doha. The ‘Norwegian Dawn’ boasts a passenger capacity of 2,340, while ‘Le Bougainville’ can accommodate approximately 264 passengers. Additionally, several other ships will continue to offer partial turnaround services from Doha, including ‘Mein Schiff 2,’ ‘MSC Virtuosa,’ and ‘Costa Toscana.’
Qatar Tourism’s Vision:
His Excellency Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized the importance of cruise tourism in realizing Qatar’s national tourism strategy, aiming to position the country as one of the world’s premier destinations. The rapid growth of Qatar’s cruise sector in less than a decade is attributed to Qatar Tourism’s international presence, strategic partnerships, investments in personnel, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders. This new cruise season offers visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience Qatar’s warm hospitality and diverse tourism offerings.
Enhancing the Cruise Experience:
His Excellency Capt. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, highlighted the commitment to providing passengers with exceptional experiences by continually improving cruise facilities and services in Qatar. This aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s strategic plan to position Qatar as the preferred destination for cruise travelers in the region. The state-of-the-art cruise terminal in the old Doha Port adheres to international standards and plays a pivotal role in promoting global marine tourism. Qatar expects to receive 81 cruises operated by 11 cruise lines during the new season, solidifying its place on the global cruise tourism map.
Record-Breaking Growth:
In recent years, Qatar has witnessed a substantial increase in cruise ship arrivals and passenger numbers. The 2022/23 cruise season concluded with a remarkable 151% increase in visitors compared to the previous season, featuring 54 cruise visits and welcoming 253,191 cruise visitors.
Seamless Arrival Experience:
Cruise passengers arriving at Doha Port are greeted by a state-of-the-art Grand Terminal that can accommodate two megaships simultaneously and up to 12,000 people daily, ensuring smooth operations. Beyond the terminal, visitors find themselves in the vibrant Mina District, offering an array of dining options, retail outlets, and a stunning promenade overlooking the iconic skyline of the city.
BM Events and the Hospitality Industry:
The thriving cruise industry in Qatar directly benefits the hospitality sector, creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. At BM Events, we understand the importance of providing top-quality staffing services to ensure that visitors receive the best hospitality experience during their stay. Our dedicated team is ready to support the staffing needs of the hospitality industry, contributing to the success of Qatar’s burgeoning cruise and tourism sector.
Conclusion:
As Qatar’s cruise industry embarks on its most promising season yet, the nation’s commitment to providing world-class facilities and services is clear. The 2023/2024 cruise season promises to be a significant boon for Qatar’s economy and tourism sector. With BM Events supporting the hospitality industry, Qatar is well-equipped to offer an exceptional and memorable experience to all cruise visitors.
