DOHA: Qatar's gateway to maritime tourism Doha Port has welcomed over 378,000 passengers on board73 vessels during the 2023-24 cruise season, Mwani Qatar said.
The figures marked a 38 percent increase in visitor numbers and a 33 percent increase in the number of ships compared to the 2022-23 cruise season.
The 2023-24 cruise season which began in October 2023 ran until April 2024 and was expected to welcome nearly 80 cruise calls and approximately 350,000 passengers, making it the country's biggest cruise season yet.
At the beginning of the season Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, said: "Cruise tourism is an important pillar through which Qatar will fulfil its national tourism strategy to become one of the world's leading destinations. Qatar's cruise sector has grown strongly in less than a decade, owing to Qatar Tourism's presence in international cruise and travel exhibitions, signed partnerships and agreements, investments in personnel and our collaboration with important public and private stakeholders in Qatar. We look forward to a new cruise season with visitors from around the world who will have the opportunity to experience Qatar's hospitality and diverse tourism offering."
CEO of Mwani Qatar, Capt Abdullah Mohammed Al Khanji, stated: "With the start of the new season, our focus continues on providing the best possible experience to passengers by improving cruise facilities and enhancing world-class services in the State of Qatar, in accordance with the Ministry of Transport's strategic plan aimed to make Qatar a preferred destination for cruise travellers in the region. In cooperation with stakeholders, we have established a pioneering infrastructure in the cruise ship sector to provide high-quality services in compliance with the highest global standards while also contributing to the necessary infrastructure to handle the large influx of cruise ship passengers."
Qatar has seen a steady increase in cruise ship arrivals and passenger numbers over the years. The 2022/23 cruise season concluded with a 151 percent increase in visitors compared to the previous season, with 54 cruise visits and 253,191 cruise visitors.
Cruise passengers arriving in Qatar through Doha Port are welcomed in a brand-new Grand Terminal that features state-of-the-art facilities. It can accommodate two megaships at a time and up to 12,000 people a day, ensuring seamless operations.
Upon exiting the terminal, passengers find themselves by the Mina District, an all-round destination where visitors can enjoy plenty of restaurant options, retail outlets, and a stunning promenade that makes the most of the city's iconic skyline.
