The outbound travel sector in Qatar is experiencing a significant surge in sales for the upcoming Eid Al Adha compared to the same period in 2023, as reported by industry experts. There is a growing demand for leisure activities, including staycations among residents and citizens. Lourdes Dolor, Marketing Manager at Darwish Travel, highlighted that expatriates are taking advantage of the school summer vacation period to return to their home countries, influencing travel patterns this season. Popular destinations for Eid travel include the United Kingdom, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Italy, with other emerging destinations such as Switzerland, Germany, and Georgia.
Many countries have eased visa restrictions for expatriates, making travel plans more accessible. The Maldives offers a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days, while countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey provide e-visas or visa-free entry for Qatar residents. Dolor mentioned that Darwish Travel offers various packages such as family packages, luxury getaways, short breaks, and customized travel solutions to cater to diverse preferences. Increased airline options and competitive pricing have contributed to the positive sales trajectory this Eid season.
Firos Nattu, General Manager at Mosafer Travel, also noted a significant increase in outbound travel. The convergence of Eid holidays and the start of the summer vacation season has fueled this rise in travel activity. The UK remains a top destination for Eid travelers, with growing interest in Germany, Italy, and Spain. There is a declining trend for France, possibly due to the Paris Olympics 2024. Nattu also observed a growing trend among the younger generation towards Japan and South Korea, influenced by K-beauty, K-drama, and K-pop.
Unique destinations such as Zanzibar, Marbella, Malaga, Sardinia, and Trabzon are attracting Qatari citizens and residents. Mosafer Travel offers a selection of travel packages including resorts in Greece, Malaga, Antalya, Switzerland, and South Korea. For those interested in cruising, attractive options are available in the Mediterranean, Norwegian, and Caribbean regions. The industry leaders are assisting customers with travel insurance, international driving licenses for self-drivers, and visa support to ensure a seamless travel experience.
The Eid Al Adha holidays starting on June 16, along with the summer vacation season, have enabled the outbound tourism sector in Qatar to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP growth. With the increasing demand for leisure activities and diverse travel preferences among citizens, residents, and expatriates, the outbound travel sector is experiencing a positive sales trajectory this Eid season. Industry experts are providing a range of travel packages and services to cater to the growing market, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for all. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore new destinations and experience unforgettable holidays this Eid Al Adha and summer vacation.
