Tourism, Culture & Sport
From The Report: Qatar 2022
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Travel and tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors globally in 2020 and early 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world, and the situation in Qatar was no different. However, reflecting the gains made in the tourism industry in previous years, the opening months of 2020 saw a strong performance in terms of arrivals – so much so that when travel began to normalise in 2021, total arrivals for the first three quarters were still higher in 2020 than in 2021. Despite subdued sector activity for most of 2020 and 2021, Qatar has been gearing up for what is expected to be a banner year for tourism in 2022 – starting with a full cruise schedule at Doha Port for the 2021/22 season.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding; Nasser Al Khater, CEO, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar; and Ahmad Al Namla, CEO, Qatar Museums.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

New page: The 2022 FIFA World Cup, a surge of regional visitors and a strong cruise season signal a post-pandemic recovery
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Travel and tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors globally in 2020 and early 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world, and the situation in Qatar was no different. However, reflecting the gains made in the tourism industry in the years leading up to the health crisis, the opening months of 2020 saw a strong performance in terms of arrivals – so much so that when travel began to normalise in 2021, arrivals for the first three quarters were still higher in 2020 than in 2021. Despite…

Analysis

World stage: Preparations for the World Cup and infrastructure investment lay the groundwork for future tourism expansion
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In 2022 Qatar will be the first Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup, giving it the opportunity to demonstrate that the region can lead in the international sporting scene. Those involved in the preparation for the event are using it as a chance to leverage the competition for future tourism revenue, given that tournament will be shown on televisions around the world and in-person fans will share their impressions back home. The event is expected to attract over 1m visitors. Infrastructure Investment Attracting…

Interview

Diversified offerings: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding, on tourism’s role in economic diversification and recovery
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Interview:Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Where do you identify the main opportunities in the tourism sector as the economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic? SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI: As the tourism sector recovers from the pandemic, there are many opportunities ahead. Qatar’s development over the last two decades has made it an international player. The government developed the infrastructure to support the sector, including Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port and the…

Interview

Breaking ground: Nasser Al Khater, CEO, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, on building a sustainable legacy from hosting the tournament
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Interview:Nasser Al Khater What legacy is Qatar looking to build from hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar? NASSER AL KHATER: The 2022 FIFA World Cup represents a chance to drive positive and sustainable change beyond the tournament, both in Qatar and the wider region. From the outset, we have been committed to upskilling the local community to foster a knowledge-based economy that can drive diversification. We have also been committed to leaving a positive social legacy related to workers’…

Interview

Creative value: Ahmad Al Namla, CEO, Qatar Museums, on sharing local culture and artistic output with the world
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Interview:Ahmad Al Namla To what extent can the 2022 FIFA World Cup serve as a catalyst for the development of the Qatari arts and culture scene? AHMAD AL NAMLA: The 2022 FIFA World Cup presents a strong opportunity to show the entire world the vast offering of Qatari arts and culture. It will also provide visitors the chance to have a better and deeper understanding of Qatar’s long-standing traditions and way of life. Our efforts are focused on ensuring this is the case during the event,…