Qatar has taken key steps to consolidate position as world-class destination for cruise tourism: al-Baker
HE the Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker has affirmed that Qatar has taken significant steps to consolidate its position as a worldclass destination for cruise tourism, and that the Arabian Gulf is an important gateway for it in this regard.
This came during a press conference held by HE al-Baker yesterday on board the MSC World Europa, along with MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato and MSC Group executive chairman (Cruise Division) Pierfrancesco Vago.
During the press conference, details of the ship were highlighted, and the experience of the first floating hotel serving the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, providing distinguished hospitality to fans of the tournament scheduled to start on Sunday.
“While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the long-term economic and cultural connections it brings,” said HE al-Baker. “As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, the MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions.”
“The Naming Ceremony of the MSC World Europa is an important prelude to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and shows the enormous endeavour and collaboration necessary to deliver the best World Cup ever,” he added.
HE al-Baker pointed out that the occupancy rate of Qatar Airways during the months of November and December 2022 amounted to 100%, and noted that most of the reservations were made by fans of the tournament.
He explained that the partnership concluded with MSC Group is important and provides more accommodation and travel options for fans of the tournament, saying that not every passenger via marine travel lines wants to complete his journey through it, but rather wants a part of it through air travel, and therefore it is important to have a partnership with marine travel lines operators such as MSC.
HE al-Baker added that the MSC World Europa is one of three floating hotels designated to host fans during the World Cup, and the remaining two hotels will arrive successively.