considerable resources are being invested in quality attractions, especially in those aimed at further strengthening national identity and Qatar’s image as a whole.
As the state’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality continues to significantly contribute to the destination’s tourism landscape by investing in unique hotels in the country and growing a collection of iconic properties in key markets around the world.
The organisation already boasts a sizeable collection of establishments under development in Qatar with The Avenuem, a Murwab Hotel; Grand Murwab City Center and City Gate Hotel all due to open within the coming months.
As the management revealed, work is also progressing on the landmark Katara Towers in Lusail Marina District.
Scheduled for completion in 2019, the much talked-about project will host a five-star luxury property and what is hailed as Qatar’s first six-star ultra-luxury hotel and branded apartments, along with a range of fine dining outlets, a man-made satellite beachfront island characterised by pristine water features and a mix of leisure and water sports facilities.
Reinvesting into the current portfolio through the increased use of interactive technology is also high on the agenda for Katara Hospitality, therefore Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Doha, are both undergoing massive renovations to unveil redefined offerings and impeccable standards.
As the leadership disclosed, the organisation also seeks opportunities for further expansion under the home-grown Murwab Hotel Group brand.
Another architecturally striking project, The Curve by Ezdan is set to welcome its first guests in the last quarter of the year.
As Mohamed Chebil, general manager, The Curve by Ezdan, revealed, the property will feature 600 units, all of which will offer sea views, along with a range of modern amenities, including separate male and female gym and massage rooms, five different restaurants as well as a roof-top swimming pool, among others.
As Turner disclosed, InterContinental Doha is also about to complete an extensive enhancement of its facilities.
Further elevating the property’s prestige, the large-scale project includes the addition of 120 new club rooms and suites, an extensive club lounge, 90 beachfront residential units, a luxurious high-tech Spa InterContinental, and new and revamped dining options.
All these developments are set to significantly enhance Qatar’s hotel scene which at the beginning of the year boasted some 17,900 keys, with 84 percent of those representing the four- and five-star segments.
Over the coming months and years, various new accommodation establishments are set to emerge on Doha’s skyline, as according to STR Global’s report, as of May, 31 hotels with a total of 7,298 rooms were in the construction phase in Qatar, signifying one of the highest numbers in the Middle East.
By laying a strong emphasis on Qatar’s values and competitive advantages, the destination creates a distinguished image that sets it apart from its regional peers – something, that according to Fehlbier, is a major decisive factor for today’s globetrotters.
“Travellers are looking for destinations that are still considered unchartered or emerging hotspots. Qatar continues to be a robust tourist destination.
It is already setting itself apart from other GCC destinations by providing a unique blend of Arab traditions and modern sophistication,” elaborated Fehlbier on the destination’s unique positioning.
Gone are the days when only regional visitors stopped by in Doha or enjoyed a quick layover.
With its expanding proposition, which now includes a plethora of cultural, sports, MICE and even shopping offerings, Qatar has managed to successfully merge the past’s values into today’s needs and preferences, creating a distinct image for itself.
“It really is the perfect marriage of East and West,” stated Fehlbier, saying that visitors often arrive anticipating to witness only Qatari and ancient Arab traditions, just to leave later with a much richer experience refined by multiculturalism and modernity.
“In the past, Qatar’s focus was much more on traditional sites and ancient souqs,” added Fehlbier. “Now we offer a word of prospects for visitors.”
