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Inland Sea - private tour

From Discover the remarkable desert landscape where sand dunes meet the azure waters of the Inland Sea.&nbsp;</p>\n","summary":"<p>Discover the remarkable desert landscape where sand dunes spill into the azure waters of the Inland Sea. Our qualified desert drivers will take you on an adventure, travelling through the dramatic sand dunes to Khor Al Adaid, a large tidal embayment recognized for its outstanding natural heritage value.</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand"],"offerDurationHours":"3","image":"/content/dam/gdn/-conten-creator--parisverra/DJI_0439.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=360&quality=75 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=480&quality=75 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=800&quality=75 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1280&quality=75 1280w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1920&quality=75 1920w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=2560&quality=75 2560w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--f11c363f-bdd4-4a95-8bd4-73d102f8a073/dji-0439.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75","images":["/content/dam/gdn/-conten-creator--parisverra/DJI_0439.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","interests":["visitqatar:keyword/land"],"offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/local/discover-qatar","name":"discover-qatar","title":"Discover Qatar","uuid":"21b8b9c1-9a00-4824-b1ad-07f965e49825","description":"Through our well established partnerships and our contacts with other outstanding individuals and organisations, our goal is to continue to advance Qatar as a premium tourist destination. 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Stand-up paddle boarding

From Navigate the waters of the Purple Island Mangroves on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).&nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport","visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/art-&-culture"],"offerDurationHours":"2","image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/miscellaneous-images/mangroves.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=360&quality=75 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=480&quality=75 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=800&quality=75 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1191&quality=75 1191w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1191&quality=75 1191w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1191&quality=75 1191w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--ce61b8a0-2a08-4565-9104-8be572e7bb27/mangroves.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75","images":["/content/dam/visitqatar/img/miscellaneous-images/mangroves.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","interests":["visitqatar:keyword/water"],"offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/local/discover-qatar","name":"discover-qatar","title":"Discover Qatar","uuid":"21b8b9c1-9a00-4824-b1ad-07f965e49825","description":"Through our well established partnerships and our contacts with other outstanding individuals and organisations, our goal is to continue to advance Qatar as a premium tourist destination. 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Wakeboarding and wakesurfing

From Buy 10 sessions and get one free</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun"],"image":"/content/dam/things-to-do/adventures/water-activities/code-wake-water-sports/Code-Wake-Board.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=360&quality=75 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=480&quality=75 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=800&quality=75 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=995&quality=75 995w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=995&quality=75 995w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=995&quality=75 995w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--b32d9f94-3f6d-4d52-ba0e-08e314e78225/code-wake-board.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75","images":["/content/dam/things-to-do/adventures/water-activities/code-wake-water-sports/Code-Wake-Board.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/code-wake","name":"code-wake","title":"Code Wake","uuid":"f701e3f4-6412-4aa7-a09c-71136a0114f3","description":"","lastModified":1663053281111},"associatedContent":[],"partnerType":"operator","id":"1111199","companyName":"Code Wake","contactName":"Code Wake","country":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"city":"Doha","phone":"+974 5544 7736","email":"https://code-wake.com/products/wakesurf-wakeboard-session","website":"https://code-wake.com/products/wakesurf-wakeboard-session","logo":"/content/dam/visitqatar/img/tour-operator/dmc/wake-grey-only_name_322.png","image":"/content/dam/things-to-do/adventures/water-activities/code-wake-water-sports/Code-Wake-Board.jpg","positionx":"50","positiony":"50","latitude":"25.3686982","longitude":"51.5473344","imageSrcset":"","imagePlaceholder":"","logoSrcset":"","logoPlaceholder":"","linkToDirections":"https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=25.3686982,51.5473344","tagKeys":["visitqatar:country/qa"],"type":"PARTNER","locale":"en","title":"Code Wake","uuid":"f701e3f4-6412-4aa7-a09c-71136a0114f3","name":"code-wake","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/code-wake"},"premiumOffer":false,"showPartnerLogo":true,"startingPrice":700.0,"currencyCode":"QAR","offerBookingLink":"https://code-wake.com/","promotionRanking":"0","prices":{"QAR":700,"KZT":86047,"SAR":721,"IRR":8093374,"ZAR":3637,"INR":16057,"CNY":1393,"AUD":292,"KRW":265301,"JPY":30122,"PLN":770,"GBP":151,"HUF":69650,"KWD":59,"TRY":6218,"RUB":17120,"AED":706,"HKD":1502,"EUR":178,"DKK":1329,"USD":192,"NOK":2059,"MOP":1546,"RON":885,"OMR":74,"CZK":4385,"PKR":53530,"SEK":2036,"BRL":1028,"UAH":7729},"formattedOfferValidTo":"2025-07-19","formattedPromoCodePeriodFrom":"","formattedPromoCodePeriodTo":"","tagKeys":["visitqatar:offer-category/family-fun","visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","visitqatar:offer-category/sun,-sea-and-sand","visitqatar:offer-category/adventure-&-sport"],"location":{"linkToDirections":""},"type":"OFFER","locale":"en","title":"Wakeboarding and wakesurfing","uuid":"126edae3-d8dc-47ab-b184-933d215da99a","name":"discover-the-magic-of-wakeboarding-and-wakesurfing-with-code-wake","path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/offers/experience-offer/discover-the-magic-of-wakeboarding-and-wakesurfing-with-code-wake"}">

From Discover Qatar's most vibrant marketplace and enjoy a unique shopping experience.</p>\n","offerType":"experienceOffer","offerCategory":"visitqatar:offer-category/main-category/experiences","offerCategories":["visitqatar:offer-category/art-&-culture"],"offerDurationHours":"2","image":"/content/dam/visitqatar/attractions/art-and-heritage/souq-waqif/Souq-Waqif-min-China1.jpg","imageSrcset":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75 180w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=360&quality=75 360w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=480&quality=75 480w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=800&quality=75 800w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1280&quality=75 1280w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=1920&quality=75 1920w, /adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=2560&quality=75 2560w","imagePlaceholder":"/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--539096ae-fdf0-4307-87eb-2eb5ccd87520/souq-waqif-min-china1.jpg?preferwebp=true&width=180&quality=75","images":["/content/dam/visitqatar/attractions/art-and-heritage/souq-waqif/Souq-Waqif-min-China1.jpg"],"pricePer":"person","interests":["visitqatar:keyword/land"],"offerPartner":{"metaData":{"path":"/content/dam/visitqatar/content-fragments/en/partners/local/discover-qatar","name":"discover-qatar","title":"Discover Qatar","uuid":"21b8b9c1-9a00-4824-b1ad-07f965e49825","description":"Through our well established partnerships and our contacts with other outstanding individuals and organisations, our goal is to continue to advance Qatar as a premium tourist destination. 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Qatar Tourism Offers Tour Guide Training and Licensing Program

Doha, October 15 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism (QT) has called on the citizens and residents of Qatar to register for tour guide training courses.

The tour guide training and licensing initiative is part of several that have been introduced by QT to raise the standard of tourism service providers and further regulate the tourism sector.

Qatar Tourism indicated, in a statement today, that in anticipation of an influx of visitors to Qatar later this year and in view of the tourism sectors longer-term vision of attracting 6 million visitors a year by 2030, it is calling on the people of Qatar to join the growing number of tour guides in the sector.

Those interested will be provided with the necessary training and awarded an official license to work with tourism companies in Qatar and provide guided tours across the country, QT added.

QT noted that applicants must be over 21 years of age and hold a valid Qatar ID to be eligible for the program. The training is available in English and Arabic, and candidates with diverse language capabilities are encouraged to apply.

QT said that training continues to be held on a rolling basis and the number of licensed tour guides has more than doubled since October of last year. For this year, and in an effort to encourage uptake of the program, QT has waived all fees related to training, licensing and exams.

By completing the program, tour guides will be able to help visitors navigate everything from the countrys cultural hotspots to foodie favorites; business traveler tips and tricks to luxury and leisure must-dos; family favorites to adrenaline boosting adventures. (QNA)

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Wander-Lush

Qatar Travel Tips: 19 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Doha

Considering a stopover in Doha or planning your first visit to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup? This list of 19 incredibly useful Qatar travel tips covers everything from dress code and rules for couples, to budgeting, and how to move around the city.

In many respects, Qatar is a closed book.

Before I decided to sign up for a layover in Doha , I knew very little about this tiny oil-rich Islamic country in the Persian Gulf. Like many travellers before me, it was precisely this sense of the ‘unknown’ that lured me to visit Doha – that, and the promise of fragrant souqs, harbours crowded with dhow boats and men parading the streets with falcons perched on their wrists instead of Rolex watches.

What is it like to travel in the richest country in the world per capita, where more than 85% of the local population are expats or migrant workers?

Most people’s experience of Qatar will be like mine: A somewhat superficial brush with a small but socially complex country on an extended layover. For practical reasons, Qatar is a great place to break up a long flight (the trip from Australia to Georgia , for example).

Even if your visit is fleeting (heck, even if you’re not planning to leave the airport), there are certain things you should know about Qatar in advance to make your experience in this beautiful Middle Eastern nation smoother and more enjoyable.

From what to wear, to which day of the week to avoid and a few sure-fire tips to save money, here are 19 incredibly useful Qatar travel tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Doha Quick Links

• Find cheap flights to Doha: Use Skyscanner to find the best price on Doha flights. Remember you may have to book direct through Qatar Airways if you want to take advantage of the free stopover.
• Do you need a visa for Qatar? Qatar offers visa-free entry for citizens of more than 80 countries Check to see if you need a Qatar visa on iVisa .
• Do you need proof on onward travel? Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel and/or a hotel reservation.
• Insure your trip: HeyMondo is my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.
• Stay connected: Set up an Airalo eSIM for Qatar before you leave home and hit the ground running when you arrive in Doha.
• How to get from Doha Airport to the city: Take the newly constructed metro or organise a private hotel transfer from Hamad International Airport (recommended if you’re arriving late at night or early in the morning).
• Doha car hire: Keen to explore more of Qatar? Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car in Doha.
• On a short layover? This Doha transit tour starting and ending at the airport is a great way to see the city when you have limited time.
• 5 essentials to pack for Doha: Universal travel adapter ; an insulated water bottle and LifeStraw (Qatar is one place you definitely want to stay hydrated!); a travel scarf with hidden pocket (handy for visiting mosques or covering up in the sun); sun protection gear – including a wide-brim hat and sunglasses at a minimum; a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Qatar .

Watch my Doha travel video

19 practical qatar travel tips, 1. a qatar airways stopover is the easiest way to organise your doha visit.

If you want a taste of Doha, you can squeeze a lot into a 24 or 48-hour layover .

In an effort to encourage more people to travel with the national carrier and break-up their journey in Doha, Qatar’s tourism board introduced a program to incentivise extended layovers. Booked through Qatar Airways , a stopover can take a lot of the hassle out of organising a trip.

It works like this: Choose your airfares to and from Doha (they must be with Qatar Airways, and you must leave a minimum gap of 12 hours between flights). You’ll then be eligible for a ‘free stopover’ of 1-4 nights. Benefits include a heavy discount on a selection of 4 and 5-star hotels , and a free transit visa (if you need one).

If your stopover is shorter (6-12 hours), you can opt for a discounted Doha transit tour instead.

2. The climate is extreme, so time your visit wisely

Remember when Qatar was first named host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Most newscasters’ first reaction was to point to the absolute unsuitability of the climate for outdoor sports.

Qatar has a desert climate – hot and dry are the imperative words here. But that doesn’t mean it’s sweltering year-round.

Cool season (December through February) is mild, with temperatures averaging 14-25 Celsius most days. Desert gusts are tempered, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal, giving Doha a spring-like atmosphere. This is by the far the best time to visit Qatar (and for the record, this is when the World Cup will take place, too).

With that in mind, Qatar is certainly not a place you want to visit in the peak summer months. May through September is much warmer, with max temperatures hovering around the low 40s. July, traditionally the hottest month of the year, should be avoided at all costs. It’s not unusual for the mercury to soar to 43 Celsius in June, July and August.

You should also consider whether your visit will coincide with the Holy Month of Ramadan . Qatar is an Islamic nation, and majority of people observe the 30 days of fasting and prayer. Under Sharia Law, it is illegal to eat or drink in public in Doha during Ramadan. Most cafes and restaurants close during the day, while shops, museums and the souq all observe restricted hours.

Other rules, such as dress code , are more strictly enforced during the Holy Month.

3. Doha is surprisingly affordable

The official currency in Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QAR) . Like in neighbouring Oman , it’s relatively easy to make your money stretch further. We drew up a rough budget and withdrew cash on our first day in Doha (ATMs, by the way, are ubiquitous, and most venues accept payment by credit card). This was one of the rare times we over-estimated our spend and had to change most our riyals back into USD at the airport.

In the end, we spent around 40 USD per person per day on food and transport in Doha. That was enough to cover three solid meals, a few trips on the metro, and tickets for the Museum of Islamic Arts.

Food portions are huge, so you can easily save money by sharing meals. The metro is cheaper than taking a taxi (more on that later), and you can save even more cash by avoiding ticketed attractions (our biggest expense by far, aside from accommodation, was museums).

4. Tipping is customary, but not mandatory

There are no hard and fast rules about tipping in Qatar – but it is increasingly expected in Doha, especially from tourists.

If you’re happy with the service, it is considered polite to offer waiters and other staff a small gratuity. Generally speaking, 10-15% is acceptable for restaurants, cafes and bars, while you should aim to tip your taxi driver or gas station attendant 5-10 QAR.

5. Doha shuts down on Friday mornings

Friday prayers, or Salat al-Jumu’ah , are an obligatory religious ritual in Qatar. Walking around on a Friday morning, Doha can feel like a ghost town as most people are busy attending mosque.

Restaurants, cafes and museums don’t open until 1pm or 2pm on Fridays . Two of the city’s most popular attractions, the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, are both closed on Friday mornings. If your Qatar layover falls on a Friday, keep in mind that you’ll have to structure your itinerary around these restricted hours.

Also bear in mind that the Doha metro doesn’t start running until 2pm on Fridays.

6. There is a dress code when you visit Doha

Much like rules for couples, there seems to be tension between official policy and public consensus when it comes to the dress code in Doha.

From my observations, locals and expats in Doha tend to dress modestly in their daily life. Long, loose-fitting clothing seems to be the preferred style. As Qatar is a Muslim country, tourists are generally expected to cover their shoulders and knees at a minimum (although I did see a few short skirts and spaghetti tops on the street during my visit).

Showing too much skin in public places is frowned upon. Swimsuits are only allowed in hotel pool areas or on private beaches , and are forbidden on public beaches.

The rules are of course a lot stricter if you’re visiting a mosque or religious site . You won’t be permitted entry to a mosque unless you’re covered up and wearing a scarf over your hair (women). It surprised me to learn that you might be denied entry to the Museum of Islamic Art if your shoulders and knees aren’t covered. This is the only place I’m aware of that imposes such restrictions.

The dress code at the airport is more liberal, but I still recommend carrying a light cardigan and wearing long pants if you’re transiting through Doha and want to feel more comfortable.

The consequences for donning inappropriate attire range from awkward stares from locals through to be removed from a venue by security or even being fined by police. Dress codes are more strictly enforced during Ramadan. Needless to say, small towns and rural areas are more conservative, so you should always dress modestly outside Doha .

7. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken

Being a former British protectorate, English is widely spoken in Qatar. Arabic is the nation’s official language for daily use, but when it comes to business, trade and official procedures, English is the go-to.

You’ll find that most Qataris speak English, especially those who work in tourism. We had no issues getting around with English only.

8. It’s perfectly safe to visit Doha as a (solo) woman

Provided you dress appropriately and avoid certain behaviours such as drinking in public (more on that later), Doha is a perfectly safe place for solo female travellers .

Crime rates are very low in Doha across the board, which is why it’s constantly ranked among the top 3 safest cities in the world . Streets are well-lit at night, and apart from the odd overexcited taxi driver, there’s not really a ‘hassle culture’ in Doha. You won’t be approached in the souq, for instance.

One thing you should be aware of is ‘men-only’ establishments – tea houses and restaurants that are closed off to Qatari ladies and foreign women alike (this should be pretty obvious if there’s only dudes around). Most public spaces are of course mixed, but some restaurants and cafes have special ‘family areas’ for women and children. The Doha metro has family carriages if you want to sit with other females.

Here are more tips for visiting Doha as a solo female traveller .

9. There are particular rules for couples

If you’re travelling to Qatar as a couple, there are particular local laws and social customs to be aware of.

Until recently, unmarried couples were prohibited from sharing a hotel room. This rule seems to have been relaxed in recent years, at least for foreign tourists. According to recent reports, it still applies to Qatari couples and expats living in the country.

This was our experience: We booked a hotel room in Doha under my husband’s name. Despite having different surnames in our passports, we weren’t asked to explain the nature of our relationship. We were married at the time (this was actually our honeymoon), so we weren’t particularly concerned – I had a copy of our marriage certificate ready to show if needed.

If this is something you’re worried about, try sticking to international hotel chains (for example, the InterContinental) or just email your accommodation in advance to double check the house policy.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, but it’s not unusual for men (for example, business travellers) to share a hotel room. See here for more information and advice about queer travel in the Middle East .

Public displays of affection (including hand-holding) are illegal in Qatar.

10. Some hostels are single-gender

If you’re booking a hostel in Doha, make sure you check whether it’s gender-separated . Some hostels only offer men’s dorms (for example, Casper Hostel ), while T Ladies Hostel is female-only. To make things confusing, the policy isn’t always obvious at first.

Q Hostel offers both men’s and women’s dorms – but no hostel in Qatar offers mixed dorms. Couples, therefore, may be better off upgrading to a mid-range hotel.

A final note on accommodation in Doha: Airbnb is legal in Qatar and can be an affordable alternative to a hotel. You can find some beautiful self-contained apartments with sea views around The Pearl, and simpler private rooms near the souq.

11. Qatar is incredibly multicultural

Another thing that surprised me about Qatar is that 85.7% of the population is made up of expats . India, Bangladesh and Nepal are the top three countries represented.

As a visitor, you feel Qatar’s cultural diversity on several levels. Firstly, the plurality of faces on the street is obvious and gives Doha a cosmopolitan feel. Travellers also benefit from an incredibly rich food scene , including some great Indian and Yemeni restaurants.

But you can’t ignore the fact that many of these workers are low-paid (or unpaid) labourers . As far as I know, forced labour isn’t directly related to the tourism industry in Qatar, but it’s still something to keep in mind when you’re visiting Doha.

The ILO is a great resource for information on this topic.

12. Qatari culture is relatively accessible

Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates are known for flashy developments and high-rise buildings. But Qatar is a little closer to Oman in terms of local culture. Downtown Doha is quite modern, but it’s clear that the government has gone to great lengths to ensure preservation of local culture in the architecture.

Despite the fact that it’s reconstructed, Souq Waqif still appears true to style. The Falcon Market is the perfect place to experience one of Qatar’s most beloved local customs, falconry. 

My advice is to skip the shiny shopping malls and stick to traditional markets.

13. Doha is home to one of the world’s most sustainable city districts

One of the first things that strikes you about Doha is how new and polished everything feels. There are grungy corners, yes – but for the most part, even the oldest parts of the city (including the souq) have been entirely reconstructed.

This has pros and cons. On the downside, Doha lacks the gritty charm and ‘rustic authenticity’ of Muscat , for example.

On the plus side, when you re-build a city from scratch, the only limit is your imagination. In the case of Msheireb, one of Doha’s oldest districts, planners envisaged a futuristic, sustainable city when they went about revitalising the area.

Msheireb Downtown combines traditional Qatari design with green technology. The district has the highest concentration of LEED-Certified buildings in the world . Streets are laid out to catch the Gulf breeze and shade walking routes and windows, limiting the need for air conditioning.

The whole area is solar powered and planted out with native flora. Massive underground car parks have been installed to limit traffic and encourage people to walk or cycle.

Pretty neat, huh?

14. Qatar is a tea-drinking nation

Skip the water, skip the booze: Grab a tea instead.

Tea is ubiquitous in Doha, and enjoying a cuppa or two (or three) at a local cafe or chai house is a must-do for every visitor. In the mornings, you can find groups of men sitting around playing dominoes and sipping short glasses of bubbly, brick-coloured karak tea .

Karak was introduced to Qatar by Indian and Pakistani expats in the 1950s. A version of Masala Chai, karak is a heady brew of tea, milk, sugar and spices boiled low and slow for maximum flavour. The traditional Qatari version contains only cardamom , but cinnamon, cloves or ginger may also be added.

A cup of karak typically costs 1-4 QAR depending on the establishment.

15. You should avoid drinking tap water (and alcohol)

Qatar isn’t a dry country, but alcohol is strictly regulated . Booze served in hotels is subject to a ‘sin tax’ and expensive as a result. If you’re serious about saving money, avoid drinking.

There is conflicting information online, but the general consensus is that you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Doha. Drinking fountains around mosques and on the Corniche should also be avoided, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach.

Apart from being a terrible blight on the environment, there are also concerns over imported bottled water in Qatar containing higher than normal levels of arsenic. The easiest solution is to carry a Steripen or LifeStraw and purify your own water .

16. It takes a ridiculously long time to cross the street

Walking around Doha can be a strange experience. First of all, pavements are usually deserted (especially in the middle of the day) as most people opt to drive.

One peculiarity we noticed is the time it takes to cross the street. Every intersection is fitted with lights and pedestrian crossings in a bid to control heavy traffic in the inner-city. These run on a ‘smart system’ that uses sensors to detect cars and direct flows.

As a result, it’s not uncommon to have to wait 10 minutes or more to cross the street in Doha. But wait you must – drivers are unpredictable, speeding is common, and jaywalkers face fines of up to $140.

17. There are construction sites everywhere!

Like many other Middle Eastern countries in the Gulf Region, parts of Qatar and especially Doha do feel like one big construction site.

New power plants, expressways, stadiums and apartment blocks are mushrooming in every corner of the city, and this does mean that some streets are dusty and noisy as a result. Take care when you’re walking around Doha, and if you’re a particularly light sleeper, it might be worth checking if your accommodation is close to a worksite.

18. Metro is the best way to get around

If you prefer not to walk, you can always take an Uber . But the most cost-effective way to move around Doha is using the city’s relatively new underground metro system.

Completed in May 2019, it’s one of the fastest driverless trains in the world. Departures are frequent, it’s very easy to navigate, and most major tourist attractions (including the Corniche, the museum and Katara Cultural Centre) have dedicated ultra-modern stations.

Best of all, a one-way metro fare costs just 2 QAR . Single tickets can be bought from machines inside the stations – no cards or top-ups necessary.

There are three metro lines: The north-south red line (handy for getting to Katara Cultural Village), and the east-west gold and blue lines. Running hours are still being negotiated, but at the time of writing, the metro runs from 6am until 11pm Saturday to Wednesday, from 6am until midnight on Thursdays, and from 2pm until midnight on Fridays.

In December 2019, the metro expanded to include a stop at Doha’s international airport , making this an efficient way to get into the city when you first arrive in Qatar.

19. You need a car to explore beyond the city

Public transport within Doha is efficient and affordable. But if you want to explore beyond the city centre, you’re going to need a car.

Here, you have two options: Either hire your own wheels and self-drive – the easiest way to explore on. your own terms – or join an accompanied tour . A day tour is the best way to go if you have limited time in Doha and you want to see something specific (such as the Inland Sea or Zakreet).

If you have more time and want the freedom to seek out far-flung sand dunes and coastal fishing villages, consider renting a car at Hamad International Airport . All major companies are represented. I suggest using Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental for your dates and requirements.

Qatar is a signatory of the United Nations convention and thus it is a legal requirement for all foreigners to present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) when hiring a car. Driving in Qatar is fairly straightforward, but for safety reasons, it’s best to limit your driving to daylight hours.

Where to stay in Doha

We stayed at Saraya Corniche for 2 nights during our Doha stopover. Our room was comfortable but a little dated – however, we really loved the central location walking distance from the waterfront and souq.

If we had our time again, we would choose either the InterContinental or Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel . The latter is set right in the heart of the souq and features roomier, more luxe suites than Saraya.

If you’re on a shorter layover and you prefer to stay near the airport, Oryx Transit Hotel is the top choice.

What are your top Qatar travel tips? Leave your advice in the comments below.

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Geneva auto show moves permanently to Qatar

• Geneva auto show organizers announced the show is over in Switzerland
• Organizers cited "ongoing industry challenges and competition"
• The show's legacy will be carried on in Qatar with GIMS Qatar in November

The Geneva auto show will no longer be in Geneva, Switzerland. After years of struggle to continue running the show in its original Swiss location, organizers have decided to move it permanently to Qatar.

A Facebook post from the show's official account stated that the Geneva show is being discontinued , but, following one show in 2023, organizers will continue holding an event branded as the "Geneva International Motor Show Qatar" in Doha, Qatar. The 2024 version is scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 6 of this year.

Doha, Qatar - Photo credit: Visit Qatar

This show's move from Europe to the Middle East started in 2021, when a deal was struck between the organizers and Qatar's tourism board to share hosting rights . The original plan was for an annual auto show in Geneva, with a biennial show in Doha—also to be called the Geneva International Motor Show.

The Geneva auto show was the first to be canceled during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic , shutting down in 2020 just days before it was scheduled to open. Other auto shows were canceled as well, but most eventually returned. Geneva would have to wait until 2024, though. The show held this past February turned out to be the last in its original location.

Renault Zoe e-Sport Concept being revealed at 2017 Geneva auto show [photo: Olivier Martin-Gambier]

The Swiss show was canceled in 2021 and 2022 as well . In 2023, the plan was to hold an auto show in Geneva in February and in Doha in November, but organizers ultimately skipped Switzerland and held only the Qatar show. At the time, organizers cited economic and geopolitical pressures, saying most automakers wouldn't commit to the next running. The Qatar show went ahead as planned, though.

The new permanent location offers warmer weather (Geneva was traditionally held during European winters), which may attract more visitors and perhaps some of the exhibitors the real Geneva show lost in the wake of the pandemic. But given the general decline in manufacturer interest in auto shows in general, that's far from assured.

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Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

After falling by 75 percent in 2020, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. Domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights per year by 2030. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is Oxford Economics. Over the same time frame, international travel should likewise ramp up to its historical average of nine billion nights. Spending on travel is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with an estimated $8.6 trillion in traveler outlays in 2024, representing roughly 9 percent of this year’s global GDP.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice.

There’s no doubt people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go? We developed a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030. For the purposes of this report, we have divided the world into four regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Our analysis identifies three major themes for industry stakeholders to consider:

• The bulk of travel spending is close to home. Stakeholders should ensure they capture the full potential of domestic travel before shifting their focus to international travelers. And they should start with international travelers who visit nearby countries—as intraregional trips represent the largest travel segment after domestic trips.
• Source markets are shifting. Although established source markets continue to anchor global travel, Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are all becoming fast-growing sources of outbound tourism.
• The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine. Alongside enduring favorites, places that weren’t on many tourists’ maps are finding clever ways to lure international travelers and establish themselves as desirable destinations.

The bulk of travel spending is close to home

International travel might feel more glamorous, but tourism players should not forget that domestic travel still represents the bulk of the market, accounting for 75 percent of global travel spending (Exhibit 1). Domestic travel recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than international travel, as is typical coming out of downturns. And although there has been a recent boom in “revenge travel,” with travelers prioritizing international trips that were delayed by the pandemic, a return to prepandemic norms, in which domestic travel represents 70 percent of spending, is expected by 2030.

The United States is the world’s largest domestic travel market at $1 trillion in annual spending. Sixty-eight percent of all trips that start in the United States remain within its borders. Domestic demand has softened slightly, as American travelers return abroad. 2 Dawit Habtemariam, “Domestic U.S. tourism growth levels off as Americans head overseas,” Skift, August 18, 2023. But tourism players with the right offerings are still thriving: five national parks broke attendance records in 2023 (including Joshua Tree National Park, which capitalized on growing interest from stargazers indulging in “dark sky” tourism 3 Scott McConkey, “5 national parks set attendance records in 2023, and the reasons may surprise you,” Wealth of Geeks, April 16, 2024. ).

China’s $744 billion domestic travel market is currently the world’s second largest. Chinese travelers spent the pandemic learning to appreciate the diversity of experiences on offer within their own country. Even as borders open back up, Chinese travelers are staying close to home. And domestic destinations are benefiting: for example, Changchun (home to the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival) realized 160 percent year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023. 4 Shi Xiaoji, “Why don’t Chinese people like to travel abroad anymore? The global tourism industry has lost 900 billion yuan. What is the situation?,” NetEase, February 12, 2024. In 2024, domestic travel during Lunar New Year exceeded prepandemic levels by 19 percent.

China’s domestic travel market is expected to grow 12 percent annually and overtake the United States’ to become the world’s largest by 2030. Hotel construction reflects this expectation: 30 percent of the global hotel construction pipeline is currently concentrated in China. The pipeline is heavily skewed toward luxury properties, with more than twice as many luxury hotels under construction in China as in the United States.

India, currently the world’s sixth-largest domestic travel market by spending, is another thriving area for domestic travel. With the subcontinent’s growing middle class powering travel spending growth of roughly 9 percent per year, India’s domestic market could overtake Japan’s and Mexico’s to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030. Domestic air passenger traffic in India is projected to double by 2030, 5 Murali Krishnan, “Can India’s airports cope with rapid passenger growth?,” Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2024. boosted in part by a state-subsidized initiative that aims to connect underserved domestic airports. 6 “India is seeing a massive aviation boom,” Economist , November 23, 2023.

When travelers do go abroad, they often stay close to home (Exhibit 2).

Europe and Asia, in particular, demonstrate strong and growing intraregional travel markets.

Recognizing this general trend, stakeholders have been funneling investment toward regional tourism destinations. An Emirati wealth fund, for instance, has announced its intent to invest roughly $35 billion into established hospitality properties and development opportunities in Egypt. 7 Michael Gunn and Mirette Magdy, “UAE’s $35 billion Egypt deal marks Gulf powers’ buying spree,” Bloomberg, April 27, 2024.

Europe has long played host to a high share of intraregional travel. Seventy percent of its travelers’ international trips stay within the region. Europe’s most popular destinations for intraregional travelers are perennial warm-weather favorites—Spain (18 percent), Italy (10 percent), and France (8 percent)—with limited change to these preferences expected between now and 2030.

Despite longer travel distances between Asian countries, Asia’s intraregional travel market is beginning to resemble Europe’s. Intraregional travel currently accounts for about 60 percent of international trips in Asia—a share expected to climb to 64 percent by 2030. As in Europe in past decades, Asian intraregional travel is benefiting from diminishing visa barriers and the development of a low-cost, regional flight network.

Thailand is projected to enjoy continued, growing popularity with Asian travelers. Thailand waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2023 and plans to do the same for Indian tourists starting in 2024. It has aggressively targeted the fast-growing Indian traveler segment, launching more than 50 marketing campaigns directed at Indians over the past decade. The investment may be paying off: Bangkok recently overtook Dubai as the most popular city destination for Indian tourists. 8 “Bangkok overtakes Dubai as top destination for Indians post visa relaxation, reveals Agoda,” PR Newswire, January 18, 2024.

A McKinsey ConsumerWise survey on consumer sentiment, conducted in February 2024, suggests that Chinese travelers are also exhibiting high interest in international travel, with 36 percent of survey respondents indicating that they intend to spend more on international travel in the next three months. 9 Daniel Zipser, “ China brief: Consumers are spending again (outside of China) ,” McKinsey, April 8, 2024. Much of this interest is directed toward regional destinations such as Southeast Asia and Japan, with interest in travel to Europe down from previous years. 10 Guang Chen, Zi Chen, Steve Saxon, and Jackey Yu, “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Given travelers’ preference for proximity, how can tourism stakeholders further capitalize on domestic and intraregional travel demand? Here are a few strategies:

• Craft offerings that encourage domestic tourists to rediscover local gems. Destinations, hotels, and transportation providers can encourage domestic tourists to integrate lesser-known cultural landmarks into their trips to visit friends and relatives. In France, the upscale hotel chain Relais & Châteaux markets historic properties that lie far from classic tourist sights—such as Château Saint-Jean in rural Auvergne—as a welcome escape from the bustle of Paris. In Mexico, the Pueblos Mágicos program has successfully boosted domestic tourist visits to a set of “magical towns” that showcase Mexican heritage.
• Fold one-off domestic destinations into fuller itineraries. Route 66 in the United States is a classic road trip pathway, which spurs visits to attractions all along the highway’s length. Tourism stakeholders can collaborate to create similar types of domestic itineraries around the world. For instance, Mexico has expanded on its Pueblos Mágicos concept by branding coordinated visits to multiple villages as “magical routes.” In France, local tourism boards and vineyards have collaborated to promote bucket list “wine routes” around the country.
• Make crossing borders into neighboring countries seamless. Removing logistical barriers to travel can nudge tourists to upgrade a one-off trip to a single attraction into a bucket list journey across multiple, less-trodden destinations. In Africa, for example, Ethiopian Airlines is facilitating cross-border travel to major regional tourist sites through improved air connectivity. In Asia, Thailand has announced its intent to create a joint visa easing travel among Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source markets are shifting

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France remain the world’s five largest sources of travelers, in that order. These countries collectively accounted for 38 percent of international travel spending in 2023 and are expected to remain the top five source markets through 2030. But interest in travel is blossoming in other parts of the world—causing a shift in the balance of outbound travel flows (Exhibit 3).

North Americans’ travel spending is projected to hold steady at roughly 3 percent annual growth. US consumers voice growing concerns about inflation, and the most cost-constrained traveler segments are reducing travel, which is affecting ultra-low-cost airlines and budget hotels. Most travelers, however, plan to continue traveling: McKinsey research suggests that American consumers rank international and domestic travel as their highest-priority areas for discretionary spending. Instead of canceling their trips, these consumers are adapting their behavior by traveling during off-peak periods or booking travel further in advance. Travel spending by Europeans paints a slightly rosier picture, with roughly 5 percent projected annual growth. Meanwhile, the projected 12 percent annual growth in Chinese travelers’ spending should anchor substantial increases in travel spending across Northeast Asia.

Alongside these enduring traveler segments, new groups of travelers are emerging. Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are still comparatively small source markets, but they are developing fast-growing pools of first-time tourists (Exhibit 4).

India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 percent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travelers, 11 Benjamin Laker, “India will grow to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027,” Forbes , February 23, 2024. resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 percent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand. Budget airline IndiGo placed the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history in 2023, when it pledged to buy 500 Airbus A320 planes 12 Anna Cooban, “Biggest plane deal in history: Airbus clinches massive order from India’s IndiGo,” CNN, June 19, 2023. ; that same week, Air India nearly equaled IndiGo’s order size with purchase agreements for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing jets. IndiGo later added an order for 30 additional Airbus A350 planes, well suited to serving both domestic and international routes. 13 “Airbus confirms IndiGo's A350 aircraft order,” Economic Times , May 6, 2024. The Indian Hotels Company Limited is ramping up its hotel pipeline, aiming to open two new hotels per month in the near future. International players are not sitting on the sidelines: seven hotel chains are launching new brands in India in 2024, 14 Peden Doma Bhutia, “Indian Hotels expansion plans: 2 new brands launching, 2 hotels opening every month,” Skift, February 2, 2024. including Marriott’s first Moxy- and Tribute-branded hotels in India and entrants from Hilton’s Curio and Tapestry brands. 15 Forum Gandhi, “Check-in frenzy: International hotel giants unleash fresh brands in India’s booming hospitality landscape,” Hindu Businessline , February 13, 2024. Development focus has shifted away from major metropolises such as Mumbai and Delhi and toward fast-developing, smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7 percent per year. Pockets of particularly high growth exist in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To capitalize on this blossoming source market, neighboring countries are rolling out attractive visa arrangements: for example, China has agreed to reciprocal visa waivers for short-term travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 16 Julienna Law, “China launches ‘visa-free era’ with Southeast Asia. Will travel retail boom?,” Jing Daily , January 30, 2024.

Travel spending by Eastern Europeans is expected to grow at 7 percent per year until 2030—two percentage points higher than spending by Western Europeans. Areas of especially high growth include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where middle-class travelers are increasingly venturing farther afield. Major tourism players, including the TUI Group, have tapped into these new source markets by offering charter flights to warm-weather destinations such as Egypt. 17 Hildbrandt von Klaus, “TUI develops Czech Republic as a new source market,” FVW, December 22, 2023.

Although the number of travelers from these new source markets is growing, their purchasing power remains relatively limited. Compared with Western European travelers (who average $159 per night in total travel spending), South Asians spend 20 percent less, Eastern Europeans spend 40 percent less, and Southeast Asians spend 55 percent less. Only 3 percent of the current Asian hotel construction pipeline caters to economy travelers, suggesting a potential supply gap of rooms that could appeal to budget-constrained tourists.

While acknowledging that historical source markets will continue to constitute the bulk of travel spending, tourism players can consider actions such as these to capitalize on growing travel demand from newer markets:

• Reduce obstacles to travel. Countries can look for ways to strategically invest in simplifying travel for visitors from growing source markets. In 2017, for example, Azerbaijan introduced express processing of electronic visas for Indian visitors; annual arrivals from India increased fivefold in two years. Requirements regarding passport photocopies or in-person check-ins can similarly be assessed with an eye toward reducing red tape for travelers.
• Use culturally relevant marketing channels to reach new demographics. Unique, thoughtful marketing strategies can help destinations place themselves on first-time travelers’ bucket lists. For example, after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , a popular Bollywood movie shot in Spain with support from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, Indian tourism to Spain increased by 65 percent. 18 “ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara part of syllabus in Spain colleges,” India Today , June 6, 2004.
• Give new travelers the tech they expect. Travelers from newer source markets often have access to tech-forward travel offerings. For example, Indian travelers can travel anywhere within their country without physical identification, thanks to the Digi Yatra app. The Southeast Asian rideshare app Grab has several helpful travel features that competitors lack, such as automated menu translation and currency conversion. Tourism stakeholders should consider how to adapt to the tech expectations of newer travelers, integrating relevant offerings that ease journeys.
• Create vibrant experiences tailored to different price points. Crafting lower-budget offerings for more cost-constrained travelers doesn’t need to result in giving them a subpar experience. Capsule hotels, in which guests sleep in small cubbies, began as a response to the high cost of accommodations in Japan, but they have become an attraction in their own right—appearing on many must-do lists. 19 Philip Tang, “24 of the best experiences in Japan,” Lonely Planet, March 23, 2024.

The places you’ll go: The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine

The world’s top ten destination countries (the United States, Spain, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India, in that order) currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including for domestic travel. But some new locales are gaining traction (Exhibit 5).

A significant number of travelers are expanding their horizons, booking journeys to less visited countries that are near to old standbys. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, which both border Thailand—an established destination that is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city 20 Katherine LaGrave, “This is the world’s most visited city,” AFAR , January 31, 2024. —are up a respective 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in year-over-year international travel spending.

The world’s top ten destination countries currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including domestic-travel spending. But some new locales are gaining traction.

Several other countries that have crafted thoughtful tourism demand generation strategies—such as Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Vietnam—are also expected to reap benefits in the coming years. Vietnam logged a remarkable 40 percent increase in tourism spending in the five years before the pandemic. Postpandemic, it has rebounded in part by waiving visa requirements for European travelers (while indicating intent to offer similar exemptions in the future for Chinese and Indian travelers). 21 Ashvita Singh, “Vietnam looks to offer visa-free entry to Indians: India report,” Skift, November 20, 2023. The Philippines has made a concerted effort to shift its sun-and-beach branding toward a more well-rounded image, replacing its long-standing “It’s more fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan with “Love the Philippines.” Peru is highlighting less visited archeological sites while also marketing itself as a top-notch culinary destination through the promotion of Peruvian restaurants abroad. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure to become a major African transit hub, facilitated by Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 60 percent stake in the country’s major airport. 22 Dylan Cresswell, “Rwanda plots ambitious tourism recovery,” African Business , July 28, 2022. Rwanda has also successfully capitalized on sustainable tourism: by charging $1,500 per gorilla trekking permit, for instance, it has maximized revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Tourism players might consider taking some of these actions to lure tourists to less familiar destinations:

• Collaborate across the tourism ecosystem. Promotion is not solely the domain of destination marketing organizations. Accommodation, transportation, and experience providers can also play important roles. In Singapore, for instance, the luxury resort Marina Bay Sands partners extensively with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board to offer compelling tourism offerings. Past collaborations have included flight and stay packages built around culinary festivals and a Lunar New Year drone show. 23 “Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Bay Sands & UOB partner to enliven Marina Bay precinct,” Singapore Tourism Board news release, January 25, 2024.
• Use infrastructure linkage to promote new destinations. By extending route options, transportation providers can encourage visitors to create itineraries that combine familiar destinations with new attractions. In Asia, Thailand’s tourism authority has attempted to nudge visitors away from the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket, and toward less popular destinations.
• Deploy social media to reach different demographics. Innovative social media campaigns can help put a destination on the map. Australia launched its “Ruby the kangaroo” campaign in China to coincide with the return of postpandemic air capacity between the two places. A video adapted for Chinese context (with appropriate gestures and a hashtag in Mandarin) garnered more than 20 million views in a single day on one of China’s largest social media platforms. 24 Nicole Gong, “Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?,” SBS, June 5, 2023.
• Embrace unknown status. “Off the beaten path” messaging can appeal to widely traveled tourists seeking fresh experiences. Saudi Arabia’s “#WhereInTheWorld” campaign promoted the country’s tourist spots by acknowledging that they are less familiar to travelers, using a series of images that compared these spots with better-known destinations.

As tourism stakeholders look to the future, they can take steps to ensure that they continue to delight existing travelers while also embracing new ones. Domestic and intraregional tourism remain major opportunities—catering to local tourists’ preferences while building infrastructure that makes travel more seamless within a region could help capture them. Creative collaboration among tourism stakeholders can help put lesser-known destinations on the map. Travel tides are shifting. Expertly navigating these currents could yield rich rewards.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, Sophia Wang, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

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On Board the Longest Flight in the World: What It's Like to Fly 19 Hours Nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines , is proof. For travelers who want to visit loved ones—not to mention frequent fliers looking for new ways to earn and burn miles and points —this 19-hour journey from John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting. 

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane ( premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft—in a merciful move, the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future. 

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed—and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business class thrones in the sky . I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pajamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest—I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused the nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorized every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a movie. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and includes appetizers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa . Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices, and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm , or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that the Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine on demand service, like Qatar Airways , either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks, but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock . About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, movies, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark , the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service that allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

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If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available within the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free Wi-Fi for business class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which have extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class, all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travelers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

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Qatar National Tourism Council strengthens its tourism offering as it celebrates World Tourism Day

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To recognise the 40 th anniversary of World Tourism Day, the Qatar National Tourism Council reaffirms the importance of tourism to the country and celebrates the efforts it has made in the years since the Qatar National Vision 2030 was unveiled. While the country continues to make preparations for the reopening of its borders to international visitors, it has maintained a strong focus on bolstering its visitor experience to ensure Qatar is ready to welcome guests to enjoy the country’s enhanced and new attractions.

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council and CEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “We are now 12 years into the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and we are very proud of the progress we have made so far to modernise Qatar and make it a prime tourist destination. This World Tourism Day, we are pleased to report that we are well on track to drive positive, sustainable growth for Qatar in line with our 2030 goal and will make every effort necessary to do so.”

At the close of 2019, Qatar had over 27,000 room keys on offer for visitors to book across its 130 hotel and hotel apartment properties in operation. Since the start of the year, an additional five new properties have opened their doors, including Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Double Tree by Hilton Doha Al Saad and Dusit D2.  Currently, there are approximately 112 properties under development, which represents around 22,300 room keys and will almost double the number of rooms available in the country.

Amongst the up and coming new hotel offerings is The Plaza Doha Anantara Hotel & Suites, a palatial hotel complex due to open later this year. With over 220 luxurious rooms and fully serviced suites, a rooftop infinity pool and an exclusive Anantara Spa, guests will have all the luxury and wellness facilities they need for a relaxing, fully pampered “recharge” within the heart of the bustling city of Doha.

Also set to open at the end of 2020 is the exclusive 5-star Pullman Doha West Bay, located amongst the city’s high rises in the buzzing West Bay area. Designed with 375 distinctive guest rooms and suites and an additional 93 in-style serviced apartments, the hotel will be home to no less than nine world class restaurants, each offering guests and visitors a culinary journey from around the world. In true Doha style, guests can unwind at Pullman Fit & Spa, which is fully equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Moroccan hammam and beauty lounge.

While extensive developments across the country continue, the Qatar National Tourism Council is working diligently to ensure international visitors will enjoy the very best in Arabic hospitality during their stay.

To support the country’s drive to enhance its tourism offering, Qatar has invested in a comprehensive training program for tour guides and taxi drivers.  The aim is for each visitor to receive a seamless and personal experience, from the moment they touch down at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar National Tourism Council has worked tirelessly in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and the hospitality and tourism industry to ensure a safe and clean environment for visitors and guests. This May, the country rolled out the Qatar Clean program, a multi-phased, comprehensive initiative that ensures compliance with strict standards for hygiene and cleanliness at all hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in the country.

For more information on Qatar National Tourism Council, visit www.visitqatar.qa

For media-related inquiries, please contact QNTC’s Press Office on:

+974 4499 7882 or +974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC)

Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase visitor spending.

Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 14 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with the government designating tourism in 2017 a priority sector in pursuit of a more diverse economy and more active private sector. 

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

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A French Expat Tries Buying in Dubai. What Could She Find for Under $1 Million?

By Ijeoma Ndukwe June 6, 2024

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After six years in the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city, a public-relations pro decided to put down roots and invest long-term. Here’s what she found.

When Clementine Martini arrived in Dubai six years ago for a new job, she was elated to find that the United Arab Emirates’ biggest city was more than a manufactured metropolis of glass and steel towers.

Instead, she said, she found a safe, vibrant and cosmopolitan social scene, and a natural wonder. “Contrary to what most people think, nature is everywhere,” said Ms. Martini, 44. “Dubai is the perfect combination of living in a global business hub with access to the beach and desert.”

Born and raised near the French seaside city of Marseille, Ms. Martini worked in public relations in Belgium for a decade, then relocated to Qatar for a couple of years. She landed in Dubai in 2018 as a senior manager for global campaigns at the Dubai tourism board, and lived in rentals as the city grew around her.

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Last year, she considered investing in property in France or Belgium for an additional income stream, but with housing prices and inflation rates surging across Europe, the returns wouldn’t make it worthwhile. Meanwhile, Dubai was experiencing its own boom, fueled by a wave of foreign buyers: Home prices rose 19 percent from September 2022 to September 2023, according to a market report by the real estate consultancy Knight Frank.

With her own rent of about 15,000 dirhams ($4,000) a month set to increase, Ms. Martini grew more comfortable with the idea of investing her money in the Gulf.

“The price per square meter is actually half of the price of Paris real estate, in addition to access to amenities such as parking, a gym and swimming pool,” she said.

With a budget of around 3 million United Arab Emirates dirhams ($815,000), preferably for a two-bedroom apartment in one of Dubai’s higher-end condo towers, Ms. Martini sought the help of Clement Audon, a broker at BlackOak Real Estate.

He called Dubai a seller’s market at the moment: “It’s been like that for the past three years. Now rent is high, tenants are buying rather than renting.”

Ms. Martini initially focused her search on a couple of older buildings that she had identified as having bigger floor plans than some of their newer counterparts. While many apartments in Dubai come with huge windows, she wanted a good amount of wall space for her art collection, as well as extra space for visitors.

Mr. Audon said that 75 percent of home purchases in Dubai are cash deals, but recently he has seen more buyers take out mortgages with standard 20 percent down payments, which was Ms. Martini’s plan.

Among her options:

Two-Bedroom in Arts District

This bright, 1,700-square-foot two-bedroom, three-bath apartment was in the 71-story Opera Grand building in the Opera District, a high-traffic cultural hub in Dubai’s center. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony off the living room offered views of the 160-story Burj Khalifa skyscraper and its artificial lake. The narrow kitchen had a pass-through, and wide pillars took up some floor space. The building had a gym, a conference room and two swimming pools, among other amenities. The price was above her budget at 4.25 million dirhams ($1.15 million).

One-Bedroom in Financial District

This one-bedroom, two-bath unit was in the 65-story Burj Daman tower, in Dubai’s bustling International Financial Center. It had about 1,300 square feet, with glass walls throughout, a built-in wardrobe and a long balcony accessible from the living room and bedroom that offered stunning views. The development, which included a five-star Waldorf Astoria hotel, had two pools, a gym and a squash court. The price was 2.5 million dirhams ($680,000), comfortably within Ms. Martini’s budget, and she thought it would be a sound investment given its location in the “Wall Street of Dubai."

Two-Bedroom in Downtown Dubai

This corner two-bedroom, three-bath unit was in the 16-story DT1 tower in downtown Dubai, near business and cultural centers. The apartment had about 1,500 square feet, with an open kitchen and island, two en suite baths, an extra washroom, a balcony overlooking the road ringing the downtown area, and a good amount of wall space for hanging paintings. The complex offered a public art gallery, a private parking space, a gym and two swimming pools. The price was 3.425 million dirhams ($932,000).

Find out what happened next by answering these two questions:

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In Search of the Perfect Home

Whether you are looking to rent or buy, navigating the housing market is not an easy task. explore how some people found what they were looking for..

A Duo in Atlanta: Having poured thousands into an older house with maintenance issues, a single mother aimed her $450,000 budget at something newer and nicer for herself and her teenager .

Retiring to California: After decades in Arizona, a couple relocated to the San Francisco Peninsula , where they hoped to find a single-level home with no stairs and plenty of room to host family.

A Young Family in Denver: Life in Cambridge, Mass., wasn’t working out, so two parents introduced their daughter, who has cerebral palsy, to a new city and a new way of life .

Putting Down Roots: With the proceeds from an apartment sale and a dream of making wine in California’s Napa Valley, a buyer looked for an investment property to make her money grow .

New City, New House: After the pandemic derailed her plans for a life in New Mexico, a retired schoolteacher  “was ready to go back home” to Colorado . But Denver and Boulder were too expensive.