Qatar Tourism Authority announced the recovery of cruise tourism despite the unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid pandemic, as Qatar received nearly 58,000 passengers and crew members during the first half of the 2021/2022 cruise tourism season, which began in December.

The country was able to successfully and safely resume cruise tourism, which represents an important step of tourism recovery that allows a large number of visitors to learn about the authentic experiences offered by the destination,

Qatar Ports played an important role in marketing Qatar as a destination for marine tourism in the region, during six seasons, expecting an increase in the number of passengers, especially in the period leading up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the opening of the permanent passenger building in Doha Port during next summer.

According to the statement, 18 cruise ships have docked in Doha Port by the middle of the season, and 12 additional cruises are expected to arrive, and Doha Port witnessed the inauguration of 4 ships for their first trips to Qatar, and the arrival of 4 luxury ships, and during the season special programs for passengers on board flights that stay in the port Doha, which includes 13 departure and return flights, as passengers start and end their flights from Qatar.

Qatar Tourism Authority identified the nationalities that ranked first for travelers who arrived at Doha Port in the first three months of the current cruise season, coming from Belgium, Brazil, France, India, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The cruise season also witnessed an increase in the number of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and it is expected to grow during the next year as a result of the partnership that Qatar Tourism concluded with Emerald Cruises offering new luxury yacht voyages.