World cup boosts tourism

More travelers are expected to visit Qatar as the country prepares to host the 2022 football World Cup.

FIFA, on March 20, Beijing time, announced that the Qatar World Cup would be held in November 2022, putting Qatar in the spotlight.

The country attracted 2.8 million tourists in 2014, up 8.2 from the previous year, according to reports. The hotel occupancy rate reached 73 percent throughout the year and tourism revenue was $7.6 billion.

The Qatar government has already geared up to greet the potential increase in visitor numbers.

According to media reports, it has stepped up tourism facility construction. A total of $8.48 billion yuan has been spent developing a holiday resort, a zoo and a conference center in Doha, as well as a stadium for the 2022 World Cup.

In addition, five museums, 57 hotels, 22 shopping centers, 21 sports facilities, 11 theme parks and six conference centers, as well as a theater, are either under construction or in the planning stage.

With more than 90 percent of its land in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar boasts a long sandy coastline with numerous small islets, sand bars and reefs, as well as cultural landmarks and world-class museums that house some of the world's finest art collections, the country's tourism authority said.

Tourists can swim or enjoy water sports on Qatar's sparkling shoreline in clear blue waters.

The Museum of Islamic Art houses precious works from the Islamic civilization and is an art and culture icon.

Tourists can find traditional knick-knacks, food, spices, perfumes and fabrics at Souq Waqif, or enjoy a good meal. Live performances by street artists and traditional folk troupes also make it a one-of-a-kind cultural bazaar in Qatar.

"The best time to visit Qatar is from April to October," said Jia Bei, a staff member at Beijing Royal International Travel.

Non-stop flights to Qatar take about five hours, Jia said.

"Most tourists fly to Hamad International Airport and then transfer to other destinations, such as Turkey and European countries," she said.

They now can have the opportunity to tour Doha if their transit time ranges from five to 12 hours and certain requirements are met.

For those wanting to stay longer, getting a visa could be difficult.

"At the moment, the Qatar embassy in China doesn't deal with visa applications from Chinese tourists," Jia said.

Tourists have to turn to hotels, travel agencies or Qatar Airways to obtain visas for the country. The visa fee is 1,800 yuan for men and 2,000 yuan for women, she said.

Respecting local traditions and practices will ensure a better experience of the welcoming and friendly Arab culture.

Tourists are forbidden to bring alcohol and pork products into Qatar, as it is an Islamic country. Violators will be subjected to fines or even detention.

Swimsuits and beachwear are acceptable at hotel beaches, but it is not appropriate to show much skin in other public areas, the local tourism authority cautioned.

Tourists can now use China UnionPay cards at Hamad International Airport, which has given over an area to a 180-square-meter China Pavilion.

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/27/2015 page20)