Qatar, rich in natural and cultural attractions, bordered by stunning coastline, aspires to be a “family destination

This bustling country, bordered by a stunning coastline and rich in natural and cultural attractions, aspires to be a “family destination” where families feel at ease and secure, said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, H E Akbar Al Baker.

The top official was speaking at the 9th Annual Destination Wedding Planners Congress (DWP) which concluded recently at St. Regis Doha.

Al Baker stated that Qatar does not want to replicate other nations’ tourism approaches since the country has its own views, plans, and assets that it wants to promote. 

“We also do not want to be a tourist destination for 25, 30, 40 million people. We are very moderate, we are very humble in the numbers we want. We want this to be a family destination, where families feel comfortable, safe, feel relaxed, and have an influence that is synonymous with the hospitality that we have now.”

Speaking at a session on 'Say “I Do” to Qatar: The perfect blend of traditional culture with modern opulence', Al Baker stressed that one thing that is unique about Qatar is the country gives one individual the “total guest experience” which doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.

Al Baker also highlighted that the country is going to open up. “The country is really opening up. We are going to give huge incentives for people to come and establish themselves here.”

He noted that the country has many hidden gems that the people have yet to uncover, as well as abundant natural resources other than oil and gas.

Qatar has the largest collection of whale sharks, turtle hatching beaches, and is developing the best resorts.

The new resorts include a beach with ideal conditions for kitesurfing (Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort), including consistent winds for 10 months of the year, and one of the best health resorts — Zulal Wellness Resort, according to Al Baker.

Moreover, the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive disclosed that the national carrier has acquired seaplanes that would transport tourists to remote resorts, with one now operational and a second set to launch in three months. 

“There are so many things to discover about Qatar, not only people to come and get married here, I want people to come and get married here but keep on repeating honeymoons. With a destination like Qatar, you should keep on having many honeymoons,” Al Baker concluded.

The DWP brought together the world’s most sought-after destination wedding planners under one roof to connect with a diverse range of the most distinctive and sophisticated destinations, hotels, resorts, venues, concierge firms, creative and visual artists, and other organisations. 

The 9th edition of the congress took place from March 14 to 16, with over 500 wedding planners and suppliers from over 70 countries in attendance.