Artistes at a traditional Qatari music programme at a QTA event.
Doha: A record number of people from GCC visited Qatar during the Eid Al Adha celebrations this year, a Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) press release said yesterday.
An extensive lineup of festive programme drew large number of people from different parts of Qatar as well as the neighbouring countries.
The Eid Al Adha festivity, which spread over six days, saw a record increase in the number of GCC visitors reaching 72.1 percent compared to Eid Al Fitr.
A total of 10,318 visitors coming from all GCC countries checked into Qatar on the 25th of October, one day before Eid.
Hotel occupancy reached a high of 85 percent during the days of Eid with an average of 74 percent.
In the festive spirit of Eid Al Ahda, for the first time QTA welcomed visitors coming to Doha from the Abu Samra boarders and the airport along with those returning from the Haj with flowers and refreshments.
Visitors also received the list of Eid programmes along with a Qatar map.
“A Large number of visitors and families from neighbouring countries flocked to spend their Eid vacation in Qatar which reinforces Qatar’s position as a tourism destination in the region. We thank all our partners for their support in making this Eid so special to all of those in and visiting Qatar,” Issa Al Mohannadi, chairman of QTA, said.
Celebratory activities included folklore games, entertainment contests, crafts, traditional Qatari feasts, art performances, fireworks, heritage exhibitions, concerts as well as other outdoor activities.
“QTA’s mission will focus on enabling the foundation and the structure of the tourism industry to create an integrated strategic plan to place Qatar on the world’s map.”
The Eid celebration under the theme “All Eyes on Qatar” swept across different parts of Qatar from Al Khor to Doha and all the way to Al Wakra Park.
These included a variety of traditional and modern shows and activities to suit all tastes of family members.
QTA’s number of partners for Eid Al Adha increased compared to Eid Al Fitr to include the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage; Katara, The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif, Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), Aquapark, Aspire, Fun Land, Dream Park, Sawt Al-Rayan, q.media, the Mall,the Gate, Lagoona Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark Mall, Hayyat Plaza, and Al Khor Mall.
The Peninsula
