The Cruise Tourism Working Group in Qatar, consisting of Qatar Tourism, Permanent Committee for the Management of Maritime Ports, General Directorate of Passports, General Authority of Customs and Mwani Qatar, recently undertook a visit to Antalya port in Turkiye. Delegations from both parties met to exchange expertise and experiences with the aim of optimizing the operations and logistics of the cruise industry.
The week-long visit was hosted by Q-terminals -- the operator of Antalya port. Discussions focused on various operational and logistical aspects, including passenger flow, entry procedures for transit and turnaround passengers, immigration protocols, and the delineation of responsibilities among the entities involved in cruise operations.
Chief of Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi said that cruise tourism is an important pillar through which Qatar will fulfil its national tourism strategy. He added: "Through this exercise, we are not only enhancing the passenger journey but also ensuring the highest standards of security and safety are implemented in our cruise operations."
Chairman of the Permanent Committee for the Management of Maritime Ports Brig Dr Abdul Hadi Mohammad Zaben al-Dosari, said Qatar's delegation toured the port of Antalya with the goal of sharing experiences and gaining insights into the port's operational procedures. The delegation received comprehensive briefings on the protocols for traveler entry and exit, port operations, the transit passenger flow system, and the various visas used at the port."
Dr al-Dosari continued: "With the forthcoming commencement of the maritime tourism season in Qatar, the Permanent Committee, in collaboration with relevant entities, is fully prepared to receive cruise ships at the Doha Port and expedite passenger procedures."
The cruise industry in Qatar has become a vital component of Qatar's Tourism Strategy, with significant growth witnessed in recent years. Qatar welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during its most recent cruise season (December 2022 - March 2023), an increase of 151% compared to the previous season (100,500 visitors).
