Qatar Tourism has recently announced updates to the regulations governing marine tourism transport in Doha. These updates include the licensing of marine tourism offices and all categories of marine transport vessels. In line with international best practices, Qatar Tourism has issued a new classification guide for marine tourism transport vehicle owners and operators, outlining the technical requirements necessary for operating these vessels. These updates are in accordance with the Tourism Regulation Law No. (20) of 2018.
Category A vessels, which do not meet the classification standards and technical requirements outlined in Version 1.1 of the 2024 Classification Guide, will not be allowed to operate, be present, or dock at the Doha Corniche area until all specified requirements are met. The categories of maritime transportation means include Category A, which refers to boats used for short trips within the Corniche area, Category B, which refers to boats used for long trips beyond the Corniche area, and Category C, which refers to boats used for long trips offering accommodation and meals.
Individuals are only permitted to operate Category A vessels, while Categories B and C should be operated by licensed tourism companies. Owners and managers of marine tourism transport offices, as well as vessel owners and operators, are required to ensure compliance with the new regulations within the allocated timeframe, with a grace period of three months extended across the different categories. Qatar Tourism regulates and develops the tourism industry, fostering private sector investment and setting the strategic direction for the sector.
Fahad Hassan Al Abdelmalek, Director of Tourism Licensing at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the importance of adopting procedures and standards for practicing tourist maritime transport in coordination with relevant authorities. These standards are designed for marine means of transport designated for carrying tourists on sea trips and have been developed in accordance with the best global principles and standards. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, unify the sector, support Qatar’s maritime strategy, and advance service excellence, ultimately providing an exceptional and safe experience for users of these services.
Qatar Tourism oversees the implementation of its tourism strategy 2030, aiming to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and increase visitor spending. Through these efforts, Qatar Tourism is strengthening Qatar’s global presence and enhancing the overall tourism sector. The goal is to provide a seamless and safe experience for tourists while supporting the growth and development of the tourism industry in Qatar. By setting clear regulations and standards for marine tourism transport, Qatar Tourism is ensuring the sector operates efficiently and effectively, enhancing the overall tourism experience for visitors to the country.
Overall, the updates to the regulations governing marine tourism transport in Doha reflect Qatar Tourism’s commitment to promoting safety, transparency, and excellence in the tourism sector. By issuing a new classification guide and outlining technical requirements for marine transport vessels, Qatar Tourism is ensuring that operators comply with international best practices and provide a high-quality experience for tourists. With a focus on fostering private sector investment and setting strategic direction for the sector, Qatar Tourism is playing a key role in advancing the country’s tourism industry and enhancing its global presence.
