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Flight bookings to Qatar and the UAE are currently 10 times higher than pre-pandemic levels ahead of this winter’s FIFA World Cup
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Oct 2022
The Gulf is expecting a tourism surge ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup Credit: FIFA
Data collected exploring travel in Gulf states, has shown a huge boost in regional tourism ahead of this winter’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
According to the data collected by ForwardKeys, flight bookings to Qatar and also the UAE are currently 10 times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The UAE’s strong showing, says ForwardKeys, is explained by a shortage of accommodation in Qatar. Many people are expected to stay in the UAE and fly over for the day on match days.
Further analysis also shows that of those travelling to Qatar, World Cup visitors are also planning stays in other areas of the region, with Dubai the biggest beneficiary of this trend by far, capturing 65% of onward visits.
“As global events go, the FIFA World Cup is one of the most attractive drivers of travel there is, so much so, that other destinations in the Gulf will benefit, not just the host nation, Qatar,” said Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights for ForwardKeys.
“In tourism promotion terms, the World Cup will throw a media spotlight on Qatar and help it become a more established destination and not just a major hub for intercontinental air traffic. Normally, just 3% of travel to Doha is destined to stay in the country; and 97% comprises onward connections. However, during the World Cup, almost 27% has Qatar as the ultimate destination.
The UAE will also benefit substantially from the tournament because it has much more hotel accommodation than Qatar, and two global hub airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
Recent tourism developments in Qatar are unprecedented, with a number of major projects opening or set to open in time for the World Cup.
As the country emerges as a Gulf tourist destination, Qatari officials are seeking to welcome six million visitors each year by 2030.
To achieve this. Qatar has invested heavily in a number of tourism projects, including one of the biggest waterpark construction projects in the Middle East - Qetaifan Island North.
Featuring 36 water slides and set over 281,000sq m (3 million sq ft), the WhiteWater-developed park will break a number of records, including the world’s tallest water slide tower at 85m (279ft), and the most slides coming off a single tower - 12.
Also arriving in Qatar is the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which opened in March. Last year Quest - a new theme park with rides including the world’s tallest indoor shot and drop tower - opened to the public. Qatar also welcomes the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, which is now one of the largest of its kind in the region.
“2022 has been an extraordinary year in Qatar with so many major new hotel and tourism openings,” said Berthold Trenkel, COO of Qatar Tourism.
“From shopping malls to beach clubs, museums to theme parks, there are now activities and experiences in Qatar for every type of traveller, from every nation, and to suit every budget.
“With more than one million fans expected to visit for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we’re proud to be able to offer a true breadth of experiences and entertainment beyond our stadiums, fan festivals and matches.”
Tourism
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