Doha: The current year has started on a positive note for Qatar’s hospitality sector.
Hotels have seen strong inflow of tourists in the first half, taking occupancy level to up to 85 percent.
Industry experts say the opening of Hamad International Airport has played a crucial role in bringing cheers to hotels.
“First half the year has been very good for the sector as the occupancy rate was 70 percent. The main reason for the strong inflow of tourists was the opening of the airport.
“Hotels also offered discounts of up to 5 percent,” said Mustafa Hanini, General Manager, Fraser Suites Doha.
He said Fraser Suites mostly attracts European tourists and its occupancy was 80 percent.
A campaign by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) to attract tourists also wooed transit passengers.
Hoteliers say majority of tourists, around 30 percent, were from GCC countries.
Mashoor Al Rafai, General Manager, Concord Hotel, said the first half of the year was better than the six months last year as occupancy rates were higher this year. The sector benefitted from QTA initiatives, he added.
Copthorn Hotel benefitted the most because of its vicinity to the airport and its occupancy rate was 85 percent. Majority of tourists came during weekends and public holidays.
The Peninsula
