You probably have many clients that know that Qatar Airways is a brilliant airline to reach 140+ worldwide locations. But do you have many that are clueless about Qatar’s amazing attractions? They haven’t heard about the ancient heritage sites or cultural gems, and they most definitely don’t know they can go swimming with whale sharks! All good: we’ve got 10 epic ways to stopover in Qatar in 2023 for you to share!
Qatar, one of the world’s best stopover destinations, doesn’t just offer an award-winning national airline. Nope, it’s got a range of 4- and 5-star hotels to ensure every stopover in 2023 is in comfort with beyond-comfortable rates – from $19 a night, per person!
Then there are the incredible attractions. Enthralling, diverse, and unexpected, these give you fabulous insights into what makes this Gulf country tick. Consider them travel bonuses!
Read on for Qatar’s top 10 stopover attractions.
#10. Discover the National Museum of Qatar
The first signs of human habitation in Qatar date back 50,000 years, signalling that Qatar is no spring chicken on the cultural front.
Displaying the country’s rich history and vibrant culture, the National Museum of Qatar is an ideal first port of call. Besides the 8,000 artefacts on display – including art, historical documents, and textiles – the building is a stunning feat of architecture.
#9. Swim with Whale Sharks
Qatar’s marine ecosystem is often a surprise for first-time visitors. Especially as it’s rare to be swimming with whale sharks 90 minutes after leaving the airport!
From April to September, the world’s largest population of migrating whale sharks off Qatar’s northeast shores. Hop aboard a whale shark cruise to witness them (safely) up close.
#8. Stand in awe of East-West/West-East
Visiting Qatar’s newest landmark is a must on a Qatar stopover, not only because it’s incredible but also because it offers an excuse to go into the Brouq Nature Reserve.
Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East desert sculpture stands 14-metres high in the expansive desert, with each of the four monoliths acting as a moving tribute to Qatar.
#7. Visit fascinating Zekreet
A visit to the Zekreet Peninsula, on Qatar’s western coastline, offers nature, culture, and excitement.
The striking landscape leaves a lasting impression, as does Zekreet Fort, and a visit to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Housing 15,000 historical pieces – many eclectic – from around the globe, the museum deepens your connection to this region of Qatar.
#6. Be mesmerised at Khor Al Adaid
For a unique stopover inclusion, a trip to the Inland Sea is in order. Khor Al Adaid is a geographic phenomenon and one of only three places in the world where dunes meet the sea.
Khor Al Adaid’s mesmerising beauty is far removed from any regular stopover destination! Swim, take a camel ride, sandboard, or enjoy its tranquillity.
#5. Uncover secrets at Al Zubrah Fort
To visit a site of historical importance, book a tour to visit Al Zubrah Fort & Archaeological Site, Qatar’s largest heritage site. The city wall, ancient homes, and fort (now a museum) offer a spectacular introduction to Qatar’s history.
Al Zubrah is one of the best-preserved 18th– and 19th-century Gulf merchant towns. It received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013.
#4. Forget your jetlag on a 4WD desert safari
Sure, you can enjoy a lazy day by your hotel pool (or even one of those private beaches we talk about here XXX), but leave time for adventure, too. Like an exhilarating 4WD dune-bashing journey into Qatar’s southern desert!
Professional drivers navigate colossal sand dunes, creating maximum thrills in complete safety. Optional camel rides and sandboarding add to the desert fun.
#3. Get lost in the alleys of Souq Waqif
The century-old alleyways of Souq Waqif suit all kinds of travellers, from history buffs to shopaholics and everyone between. It’s charming, bustling, and filled with treasures.
You don’t need to shop to enjoy Souq Waqif (though shoppers have fun haggling). You can grab a traditional coffee, visit Arabian horses at the Emiri Stables or stop by the Souq Waqif Art Centre.
#2. Go back in time at Msheireb Museums
Across four heritage houses, the Msheireb Museums celebrate Qatar’s unique cultural and national history. Located in downtown Doha, the restored houses are in traditional Qatari style, affording visitors an insight into traditional family life.
While Radwani House offers the best glimpse into domestic bliss, Qatari style, Bin Jemood House is the home of a former slaver, revealing a different side to Qatar’s history.
#1. Go wild for Qatar’s watersports
With an idyllic year-round water temperature and rich marine life, Qatar’s watersport scene is perfect to shake off jetlag.
Kitesurf, snorkel, scuba dive, parasail, wakeboard, and sail Qatar’s gorgeous coastline. Alternatively, head to Al Thakira to kayak among the mangroves.
Fly the Skytrax 2022 Airline of the Year
You probably heard that Qatar, once again, won the Skytrax Airline of the Year 2022. This accolade proves that not only does Qatar Airways service 140 global routes, they do it with top-notch service, safety, and performance. And let’s not forget their motto to never stop flying!
Depart from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, connecting to Skytrax’s 2022 World Best Airport, Doha’s Hamad International.
Its Doha airport hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), has also earned the Skytrax 5-stars COVID-19 Safety ratings, making Qatar Airways the only Middle-Eastern carrier where both the airline and its airport secured the highest Skytrax safety ratings.
Travel advisors: spread the word
Get your clients the best value stopover when you travel with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar in 2023.
Stopover package add-ons accompany attractive hotel and breakfast deals. Room rates for 4-star accommodation start from only $19 per person per night. Premium rates start from $28, and Luxury from $106, including breakfast.
Access these fab stopover rates when you become a Discover Qatar partner. Register here.
Find out more about Qatar here and stopover packages here.
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