ID :
283156
Sat, 04/27/2013 - 21:07
Auther :

QTA Welcomes "MS. Pacific Princess" Cruise Ship in 1st Doha Visit

Doha, April 27 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said it has organized a welcoming event for the cruise ship "MS. Pacific Princess," which was carrying 700 American tourists and arrived at the Doha Port for the first time. Representative of QTA management received the ship, which stayed for one day. On their arrival, visitors were treated by the traditional Arabic coffee and dates, reflecting the country's heritage through a traditional performance of "Arada," QTA said in a press release issued here on Saturday. The visitors had a packed itinerary for their one day tour which took in many attractions in the city of Doha such as the iconic Museum of Islamic Art. They also enjoyed Qatari hospitality, moving through the alleyways of Souq Waqif, Doha's most popular cultural landmark that is reminiscent of bygone Arab souqs that sell traditional handicrafts, foods and spices, perfumes, fabrics, art and collector's items. They were also treated to more contemporary view of Doha in the luxury malls and designer brand stores for which Doha has become renowned. "On behalf of QTA, I'm delighted to be here to welcome our guests from USA and to mark this important day for the Qatari tourism industry. This is an exciting occasion for our country, and we are proud to showcase some of Qatar's most exciting attractions to the American group," QTA's Director of Tourism Abdullah Al Badr said. "We hope that Qatar becomes a top-of-mind destination for American travelers and that this arrival is just the first of many, especially that we are seeking to attract more international touristic ships. We also would like to thank all the travel agents who are arranging these touristic trips." Many of the visitors were very excited to explore the new Doha, as some of them visited the city in 1976. Doha now, is home to many other cultural sites including Katara Cultural Village, a focal point for arts and culture in the city with its art galleries, amphitheater, opera and concerts as well as fine dining restaurants and a beach that is popular with families for its watersport facilities. To promote tourism, QTA's action plan is investing in attractions and premiere events while increasing marketing and promotion efforts to highlight to the world all that Qatar has to offer, whilst having initiatives and programs to promote Qatar as a destination of choice to visitors in key international markets such as the United States of America. (QNA)

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