- Visit Qatar concluded a successful two-city roadshow in New Delhi and Mumbai, engaging over 200 Indian travel agents and tour operators.
- Fifteen leading hotels and ten destination management companies participated, highlighting top accommodation and travel services in Qatar.
- Visit Qatar hosted a corporate networking evening in Mumbai, attracting 25 key corporate representatives and showcasing Qatar’s MICE capabilities.
- Indian arrivals to Qatar have significantly increased, with 420,000 visitors in 2023 and strong projections for future growth, including a large corporate incentive group next month.
Visit Qatar recently completed a successful two-city roadshow across India, targeting New Delhi and Mumbai. The initiative aimed to showcase Qatar’s appeal as a top destination for Indian travellers, both for leisure and business tourism.
It attracted over 200 of India’s leading travel agents and tour operators, engaging them through an exclusive platform. This roadshow offered an opportunity to promote Qatar’s wide-ranging tourism options and its attractiveness as a diverse destination in the Middle East.
Engaging Key Travel Partners
The event brought together 25 significant partners from the tourism and hospitality industry, which included major hotels and destination management companies (DMCs).
These partners highlighted the varied experiences that Qatar offers, from luxurious accommodations to unique travel packages. The event emphasised the country’s broad appeal, catering to different types of travellers, whether they seek leisure, business, or both.
Visa-Free Access and Connectivity
Qatar’s proximity to India and the convenience provided by Qatar Airways’ vast global network make it a popular destination for Indian travellers. Adding to its appeal is Qatar’s visa-free policy for Indian nationals who book through Discover Qatar, further simplifying travel arrangements.
Moreover, Indian travellers holding valid visas for the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada can obtain the Hayya A3 visa, which grants entry to Qatar via a pre-approved electronic travel authorization. This has made Qatar even more accessible to a growing number of Indian tourists.
Qatar’s Luxury Hospitality Offerings
The roadshow featured a strong presence from 15 of Qatar’s top hotels, each showcasing its distinctive luxury experiences. The participating hotels included renowned names such as The St. Regis Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha, Mandarin Oriental Doha, and The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.
These hotels are known for their world-class services and amenities, appealing to travellers seeking opulence and comfort. Other notable participants were Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, and Rixos Qetaifan Island North, highlighting Qatar’s potential to offer a luxurious yet varied stay for visitors.
Leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) at the Roadshow
In addition to the hospitality sector, 10 leading DMCs also participated in the roadshow. These companies, including Discover Qatar, Tawfeeq Holidays, and Q Moments, played a crucial role in showcasing Qatar’s tailored travel packages, ensuring personalised experiences for Indian tourists.
These DMCs are instrumental in designing unique itineraries that appeal to a wide range of interests, whether cultural explorations, adventure tourism, or business travel.
Corporate Networking to Boost MICE Tourism
To further promote its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) offerings, Visit Qatar hosted its first-ever corporate networking event in Mumbai.
This event targeted major corporate representatives from key sectors such as Banking, Finance, Insurance, Automotive, and Pharmaceuticals, reflecting the broad range of industries with potential interest in Qatar’s MICE sector.
Eight of Doha’s premier hotels, including Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, The St. Regis Doha, and Rosewood Doha, presented their MICE capabilities at the event.
The showcase highlighted Qatar’s state-of-the-art facilities and services, positioning the country as a leading destination for corporate events and business gatherings.
The networking evening fostered meaningful discussions, strengthening connections between Indian corporate decision-makers and Qatari hospitality providers.
Growing Popularity of Qatar Among Indian Travellers
Qatar’s appeal to Indian travellers has surged in recent years, with significant growth in visitor numbers. The number of Indian tourists travelling to Qatar increased from 166,000 in 2021 to an impressive 420,000 in 2023. The sharp rise highlights Qatar’s increasing popularity as a destination of choice for Indian visitors.
In the corporate tourism sector, Visit Qatar has managed 12 MICE groups from India in 2023 alone, with many more expected in the coming year. A particularly notable upcoming group includes a significant incentive trip of 2,600 corporate guests, showcasing Qatar’s potential as a prime destination for large-scale corporate events.
Qatar’s Future as a Top Destination for Indian Tourists
As Qatar continues to expand its tourism offerings, the country is fast becoming a top destination for both leisure and business travellers from India. The roadshow in India and the growing interest from both tourists and corporate clients signify a strong future for Qatar’s tourism industry.
With its blend of luxury hospitality, cultural experiences, and state-of-the-art business facilities, Qatar is poised to attract even more Indian visitors in the coming years.
