DOHA: Water fountain shows, an Entertainment City and an inflatable Aqua Park are some of the exciting activities at the Qatar Summer Festival to be hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) from August 4 to 27 at venues across the country.
The evening water fountain shows will be held on the Corniche, the inflatable Aqua Park is in Al Wakra and the Entertainment City at Doha Exhibition Center.
The Entertainment City will comprise areas to provide fun and entertainment to various segments of visitors. They include adventure, freeze, interactive, toddlers’ and food zones and a stage to present shows and activities.
Outdoor activities such as bike riding, kayaking and other games will be held in Al Khor along with activities in malls, including commercial sales, raffle draws and prizes.
A highlight of the festival is the ‘Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After’ show from September 24 to 27 at Qatar National Convention Center.
The festival will give citizens, residents and visitors from the region an opportunity to enjoy activities that will appeal to all ages, especially kids.
It is part of Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, launched by QTA in cooperation with stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
The strategy serves as a road map for the development of the tourism industry and as a guide for QTA in its efforts to position Qatar as a world-class hub with deep cultural roots.
QTA plays a key role in the effort to develop a sustainable tourism sector and increase the sector’s contribution to a diversified national economy.
Rashed Al Qurese, Director, Marketing and Promotions, QTA, said: “The festival is part of QTA’s efforts to make Qatar the best tourist destination for families in the region.
“Through it, we will offer quality performances to present Qatar’s entertainment options and warm hospitality.
“We seek to stimulate the tourism sector and enhance its role in the national economy. We support owners of tourist facilities and other stakeholders in the sector, adding value to their efforts and helping them promote their offerings at home and abroad.”
Tourist data released by QTA on results of the first quarter of 2014 revealed continued growth in the tourism industry, with the total number of visitors from all parts of the world rising by 26 percent, and from Kuwait by 42 percent.
Hotel occupancy also rose by more than 10 percent compared to the same period last year.
The total number of regional and international visitors in the first quarter reached 387,022, representing a 9 percent year-on-year increase.
Visitors increased from most corners of the globe, with particularly good performance coming from within the GCC countries.
Overall, GCC tourists were up by 5 percent, with Saudi Arabia being the largest single source of visitors with 188,621.
The average hotel occupancy rate rose from 68 percent to 75, assisted by the 1.9 percent decrease in available rooms from 13,551 in Q1 2013 to 13,251 in Q1 2014 due to renovation-related closures.
Total revenue at four- and five-star hotels increased by 5.4 percent, reaching QR999.4m for the quarter while three-star hotel revenue reached QR1m.The Peninsula
