QNTC launches biggest ‘Summer in Qatar’ program yet with various experiences for all

F.P. Report

DOHA: Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) announced a season of summer experiences, retail offers and entertainment, to run from 4 June to 16 August. This year’s ‘Summer in Qatar’ introduces a wide range of exciting indoor activities and thrilling outdoor experiences, fun for the whole family. Entertainment programs will feature regional and international artists, edutainment, sports camps and special promotions on inbound travel, hospitality and shopping.

Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and GCEO of Qatar Airways said: “This year’s summer season promises to put Qatar on the map as a destination for authentic experiences.  Beginning in June and continuing till mid-August, this Summer in Qatar allows visitors to participate in the festivities surrounding the two Eids – which bookend the season this year. Leveraging the collaboration between aviation and tourism, we are offering discounts on airfare, promotional travel packages, and exceptional airport experiences throughout summer.  From cultural excursions to family entertainment, there is something for everyone in Qatar.”

Travel Packages:

Starting from 15 May, Qatar Airways will offer a discount of 25% on all flights to Doha from more than 160 destinations worldwide, for travel between 30 May – 16 August. Those arriving, departing or transiting through Hamad International Airport can enjoy up to 25% off on Al Maha Service – Qatar Airways’ personalized meet and assist service. Passengers can also take advantage of +Qatar, a unique stopover package designed to give travelers transiting through Qatar the opportunity to discover Doha with free luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas.

Hotel Deals:

A wide range of hotels and hotel apartments from luxury to luxe on a budget, will offer discounts of up to 25%.  These will be valid for stays between 4 Jun – 16 Aug 2019 and will include several additional incentives and promotions at various facilities. Participating hotel groups include Katara Hospitality, Al Rayyan Hospitality Hotels and Marriott International Hotels.

Indoor Entertainment:

In addition to mall activities and the family-friendly “Entertainment City’, there will be deals on offer at several indoor theme parks and edutainment parks.  These will include Virtuocity, a gaming and eSports venue spanning over 4,500 sqm, the world’s first Angry Birds World™? indoor & outdoor entertainment park and Snow Dunes – a winter wonderland expected to open this summer.

Qatar Museums will offer authentic experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Qatar’s rich heritage and its burgeoning culture scene. Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village will bring vibrancy to the summer with family fun and entertainment shows during both the Eids.

Shopping:

Malls across Qatar will be offering special entertainment shows, exhibitions and free activities for different age groups throughout the season, in programs including free makeup and fitness classes. There will be numerous sales and promotions along with the ever-popular raffle draws.

Entertainment:

Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars as celebrated names are set to rock Summer in Qatar. These include international and Arab artists as well as a number of Bollywood singers performing at the Bollywood Musical Festival. Movie buffs will get a chance to attend the glittering South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA).

Comedy fans can prepare themselves for the return of the Doha Comedy Festival, while the little ones can enjoy numerous stage shows including ‘Hello Kitty’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Smurfs’. 

About Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC)

Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase the sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economy by 2030. In 2017, the Next Chapter of QNTSS was launched, charting the next five years (2018-2023) of the tourism sector’s growth.

In 2018, QNTC launched a global destination campaign under the tagline ‘Qatar, Qurated for you.’ Curating requires professional or expert knowledge to select, organise and present unique experiences. As such, the Qurated campaign plays on the word’s definition and the destination brand’s iconic Q to underscore the country’s focus on delivering tailored visitor-centric experiences.

Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 12 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with 2017 estimates showing a total (direct and indirect) contribution to Qatar’s GDP of 6.6%.