Qatar Tourism has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatari transportation services company Mowasalat to improve the tourism experience for cruise passengers arriving in the country. 

Key areas of collaboration include improving cost effectiveness and offering mutual support to ensure a successful cruise season, with Qatar Tourism providing the company with tourism statistics and advance notice of cruise ship arrival schedules.

This will enable efficient planning of transportation services so that passengers are able to explore the city with ease. Mowasalat is the key provider of bus services for shore excursions during the annual cruise season.

The MoU was signed by Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji and Mowasalat CEO Fahad Saad al-Qahtani. 

“Cruise tourism is a strategic pillar that contributes to Qatar’s national tourism strategy and elevates Qatar’s position on the global tourism map,” said al-Kharji. “Qatar Tourism works continuously with its key stakeholders to ensure a holistic, memorable experience for its guests in Qatar.”

“Effective transportation services are a crucial element that shape the visitor experience and we are confident that our partnership with Mowasalat will contribute to a successful new cruise season,” he added. 

Qatar’s cruise sector has seen significant growth in the number of international visitors with the current cruise season expected to welcome 81 cruise calls and approximately 350,000 passengers, doubling the number from last season. 

“We recognise that transportation influences the competitiveness of a destination for tourists,” said al-Qahtani. 

“Qatar’s tour operators sell their services, tours and excursions in a large international marketplace and it is of significant importance for the development of the tourism industry in Qatar to provide seamless, comfortable and safe transportation for visitors,” he added. 

Cruise ships such as Norwegian Dawn and Le Bougainville will be making their debut in Qatar this season, with both ships homeporting in Doha. 

Norwegian Dawn will cruise week-long itineraries between Dubai and Doha, alternating between each as a homeport, while Le Bougainville of Ponant will homeport exclusively in Doha, sailing roundtrip itineraries in the Arabian Gulf.

Additionally, several other ships will continue to offer partial turnaround services from Doha, including Mein Schiff 2, MSC Virtuosa and the Italian cruise ship Costa Toscana.

All three crise lines offer Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha as homeports for their annual winter cruise season in the Arabian Gulf.