“Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign launched in Qatar

 

Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Reveal Exciting Entertainment Events from the “Feel Winter in Qatar” Campaign During the Launch of the Third Edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival

The announcement features a line-up of festivals and family-friendly activities to complement the cool in Qatar

Together with Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism launches the third edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival, with over 50 hot air balloons from 17 different countries, colouring Doha’s skies from morning to evening from the 19th to 28th of January 2023 at Old Doha Port. During the press launch, Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism have revealed an exciting line-up of events and festivals for this winter season.

At the press conference, Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was joined by Omar Al Jaber, Qatar Tourism Director of Shared Services Department; Sheikha Hessa Al Thani, Head of Marketing at Qatar Tourism. Qatari rally driver Nasser Abdullah Al Attiyah later joined the panel to announce his long-term sponsorship with Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways, more details about this venture to be announced soon.

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “With the conclusion of a very memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, we look forward to maintaining the same rhythm of excitement for 2023 to continue working towards our 2030 goal.  With both the Tourism and Aviation sectors in Qatar working together, we believe that our collaboration and collective work towards achieving the best calendar of events for 2023.”

Qatar Balloon Festival

The 10-day festival will include mesmerising sunrise balloon launches, the ‘Night Glow’, Tethered Lights, live entertainment and mouth-watering food kiosks and trucks. All hot air balloon rides will launch during sunrise giving riders a spectacular view of Doha. Visitors attending in the evenings will get to experience the mesmerising ‘Night Glow’, where all 50 balloons will light up the night sky with their vibrant designs.  The festival also includes a variety of performances from DJs, singers and music bands, dancers, magic shows, violinists and much more.

Qatar Live

Following the successful program during the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, Qatar Tourism’s ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign will see a dynamic line-up of live performances from acclaimed local, regional, and international artists through the flagship activation, Qatar Live starting January 26 and lasting through the season.

Disney Princess Concert

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Qatar Airways bring an exciting production of the world-renowned Disney Princess – The Concert to Doha in the Katara Amphitheatre, in partnership with Disney Concerts and Broadway Entertainment Group.

For three nights, starting January 26 – 28, some of Broadway and the West End’s most celebrated artists will perform this unique tribute to Disney Princesses alongside a live orchestral performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

GKA Kitesurfing Tournament

Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways are bringing a water-sport world cup to Doha, kicking off the new year with thrilling sporting events. Fuwairit Kite Beach will house the Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 from 31 January – 4 February 2023.

Qatar TotalEnergies Open (Tennis)

The professional women’s tennis tournament is back for its 21st edition which will take place in the outdoor hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from 13 – 18 February 2023.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

With close to two decades of being the epitome of luxury and elegance in Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is all set to amaze everyone with a unique exhibition of exclusive jewellery and exquisite craftsmanship. The event will take place from 20 – 25 February 2023 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. This year’s edition will feature luxury watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, diamonds, gold and silverware. The exhibition will host 500 brands and 30,000 visitors from over 175 countries.

Qatar ExxonMobil Open (Tennis)

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is an annual men's tennis tournament and is part of the ATP 250 tour, taking place this year from 20 – 25 February 2023 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The first edition was held in 1993, and has since become an event regularly attended by some of the sport's top-ranking players.

The Qatar Tennis Federation has successfully put Qatar on the international sporting agenda as a venue for one of the most anticipated professional tennis events of the year. The tournament consistently attracts renowned tennis players from around the world.

Al Shaqab Events

Al Shaqab is starting Qatar’s 2023 calendar with breath taking equestrian events, which started with the ‘Hayaakum at Shaqab’ event and will continue with the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2023. This will take place on the 23 – 25 of February 2023 at the Longines Outdoor Arena & Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab brought to you by Commercial Bank (Title Sponsor), Longines (Presenting Partner) and ExxonMobil (Main Sponsor).

Qatar International Food Festival

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is a Qatar Tourism initiative that celebrates the country's diverse food, beverage and hospitality offerings. The 12th edition is slated to be launched from the 1 – 11 March 2023.

Previous editions of the food festival included special culinary experiences at scenic outdoor locations, a host of globally renowned chefs, live cooking shows, cooking competitions, masterclasses and other activities for both families and friends.

Qatar Tourism’s ‘Shop Qatar’

Shop Qatar celebrates the country's wide range of retail, beauty and entertainment options and unfolds around popular Doha shopping malls. It's an annual event that aims to enhance Qatar's fashion and lifestyle scene and showcase its hospitality. At the same time, Shop Qatar introduces various compelling workshops and masterclasses and presents exciting surprises. This year’s edition is set to take place from 1 – 18 March 2023.

Ramadan Bazaar

Celebrate the most important time of the year with Qatar Tourism’s Ramadan Bazaar where you can spend your evenings, after breaking your fast, with family friendly activities around Qatar for the first time. Tourists visiting Qatar during Ramadan can expect to learn the wonderful traditions and festivities that this time of the year brings to the country and people.

James Mazarello, Goalkeeper for England has Goa and India connection

 

James Mazarello, Goalkeeper for England at the ongoing Hockey World Cup in Odhissa has a Goa connection.

He is son of Felix, who is a doctor in England and the grandson of doctor Jose.

Jose is the brother of the first Cuncolim MLA Dr Sebastian Mazarello (UGDP and OPINION POLL leader) hailing from Gorcomorod,Velim.

Arrival of Italian Cruise Ship, ‘Costa Toscana,’ at Doha Port for the very first time

 Arrival of Italian Cruise Ship, ‘Costa Toscana,’ at Doha Port for the very first time

Italian Cruise Ship, ‘Costa Toscana,’ the flagship vessel of Costa Cruises, has arrived to Doha Port today January 15, 2023, as a part of its first maiden tour of the Arabian Gulf. Offering 3 to 7-day cruise itineraries around the region, the ship can accommodate around 6,500 passengers and features its own waterpark, 13 swimming pools and hot tubs, 13 restaurants and 19 entertainment lounges.

Costa Toscana makes its debut as part of Qatar Tourism’s 2022-2023 cruise season, which kicked off in December 2022 with the arrival of French cruise ship, ‘Le Bougainville,’ and runs to April 2023. The season will see a grand total of 58 world-class cruise ships and four cruise liner maiden calls make their way to Qatar.

Commenting on this occasion, Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support at Qatar Tourism, said: “Our cruise season is off to a solid start with the latest expansion in our portfolio of cruise liners a testimony to our growth and diversification. This is also an LNG-powered cruise ship to Qatar, which highlights our commitment to sustainability in the development of the cruise sector. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors and delighting them with the warmth, hospitality and range of experiences Qatar has to offer.”

Qatar's cruise sector, which was established in 2016, has helped position Qatar as a popular destination for maritime tourism in the region. The growth of the industry supports Qatar's economy through increased tourist spending, employment and business opportunities.

Since its return in 2021-2022, the cruise industry has driven significant growth to Qatar's tourism sector. In December 2022, Doha Port welcomed a total of 8,000 visitors, mostly from Italy and Russia. The 2021-22 cruise season welcomed a total of 100,500 passengers

Qatar’s new Grand Terminal will accommodate up to 12,000 people a day. Its strategic location in the heart of Doha makes it minutes away from some of the city’s most popular attractions including the National Museum of Qatar, the Doha Corniche and Souq Waqif.