Qatar Tourism Strengthens Stopover Program, Encourages Travelers to Explore

Hamad International Airport

Qatar Tourism has reaffirmed its dedication to the Stopover program, encouraging travelers to transform their layovers in Qatar into memorable journeys filled with captivating city views, rich cultural encounters, and exciting adventures.

In a recent social media post, Qatar Tourism urged travelers to enhance their stopovers in the country, sharing an 11-second video showcasing key locations across Qatar, such as Al Zubarah, Old Doha Port, Lusail City, Katara Cultural Village, National Museum of Qatar, The Pearl Island, Corniche, and Hamad International Airport’s The Orchard.

"Transform your #StopoverInQatar into an extraordinary journey brimming with stunning cityscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and exhilarating adventures," the post exclaimed.

Furthermore, travelers are encouraged to plan their customized trips by booking packages through the Qatar Airways website or the Visit Qatar app.

This initiative aligns with Discover Qatar’s (DQ) ambitious goal for the 2023/2024 period, aiming to double the number of travelers for the Stopover program, emphasizing the commitment to position Qatar as the top choice for stopover experiences.

DQ, the destination management company of Qatar Airways and partner of Qatar Tourism, has been offering the "Best Value Stopover in the World" package, providing luxurious 4 or 5-star hotel stays for up to four nights to over 20,000 visitors in the fiscal year 2022/2023.

Over the years, Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways have collaborated to leverage the Stopover program, aligning with one of Qatar Tourism's six key strategies to boost tourist numbers.

The Qatar Airways website highlights stopover packages starting from $14 at 4-star and 5-star hotels, catering to the diverse preferences of travelers. Currently, Qatar welcomes visitors from 102 countries visa-free, further enhancing accessibility for travelers.

The national carrier stated that its stopover package offers a range of options, from standard to luxury, starting from $14 for a one-night stay and going up to $230 for a four-night stay in a 5-star hotel.

The Stopover package is applicable for Qatar Airways and code-share confirmed ticket holders with a minimum transit time of 12 hours in Doha, allowing for up to two bookings per ticket for both outbound and return sectors of the trip, as explained by Destination Qatar.

According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association, stopover tourism aims to attract immediate incremental arrivals, encourage repeat visits, stimulate economic benefits for airlines and local industries, appeal to travelers who may not have previously considered the destination, and provide travelers with the opportunity to explore two destinations with one airfare.
 

Source: The peninsula