Qatar hosts World Tourism Day 2017 Official Celebrations

Official World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations got underway in Qatar today for the very first time, held under the patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Hundreds of tourism industry stakeholders from around the world flew to Doha to explore the significant role sustainable tourism plays in Qatar and worldwide.

This year’s celebrations fall under the theme set by the The United Nations 70th General Assembly titled ‘’Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development,” and have been organised by Qatar Tourism Authority, with Katara Hospitality as Hospitality Partner, to increase awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value, and make tourism a positive change for good.

World Tourism Day comes at a time when Qatar’s tourism sector is experiencing exciting and monumental change. Last month, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority, and Qatar Airways launched visa-free entry to Qatar for citizens of more than 80 countries.

Last year it also introduced a 96-hour transit visa, which allowed passengers transiting at Hamad International Airport the option of leaving the airport and exploring the city for up to of 96 hours, as long as they had a return ticket. The growing demand for this will place Qatar amongst the world’s most popular destinations for long-haul transit visits.

*Src: eturbonews.com