Doha: In the same context, tourist expert Ali Sabri said that Qatar started this year with ambitious plans for the tourism sector, pointing to an increase in the number of visitors to the country since January 2023, confirming that Qatar has become a global tourist hotspot.

In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he pointed out that Qatar's high ranking on the safest countries index as well as its entertainment and recreational facilities make Qatar a favorite family tourism destination for visitors from all over the world. He noted that hotels are likely to experience an increase in the number of tourists and residents during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, raising hotel occupancy rate to around 80 percent.

The remaking and launch of the Hayya platform in its new look are expected to constitute a strong impetus for the tourism sector and to increase the flow of tourists to Qatar. The platform offers 4 visa types: tourist visa for holders of any nationality, GCC Resident visa for all professions, as well as the visa for escorts of GCC citizens and the electronic Travel Authorization visa known as eTA, which is without restrictions and is for all visa holders and residences of the countries of the Americas, Canada, Schengen countries, Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

Those wishing to visit Qatar, can now apply for a visa using a single platform, through which they can submit their visa applicant and receive their visa, with Hayya app offering all kinds of tourist information and services, such as maps, means of transport, happenings in Qatar, in addition to exclusive discounts offered on the platform.

Visas on the Hayya platform are only suitable for touristic purposes and are not meant for work purposes, with duration of stay being calculated based on the period and the countries from which the visitor is visiting, with the duration of stay starting from 30 days.

As for the visa processing time, it will depend on the number of applications received at a given moment, however, the processing period is planned to be set at no more than 48 hours in most cases.

Qatar Tourism announced an entertainment and events program for the Eid in Qatar campaign, in cooperation with Qatar Airways. The program is scheduled for April 21-23. The Residents and visitors of Qatar will enjoy a festive atmosphere and an array of entertainment events, including music concerts for some of the Arab world's biggest singers and artists, in addition to spectacular children's shows and performances.

Doha will host the famous and popular children's show Shaun the Sheep over a period of 3 days at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. Additionally, a sports festival and live entertainment will be organized by famous artists in the Asian city. As for accommodation, visitors to and residents of Qatar who wish to spend the Eid holidays in the country have plenty accommodation options to choose from, offered by Qatar's diverse and luxurious group of world-class hotels.

Following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the State of Qatar is moving steadily towards the future by manifesting its National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy, with the tourism sector being at the forefront of that vision, raising its contribution to the gross domestic product from 7 percent to 12 percent, in addition to doubling job opportunities in the sector.

Therefore, continuous efforts are being made to advance Qatar's position as a leading global destination for service excellence.

Doha was selected as Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, which is yet an additional step towards consolidating Qatar's position as an attractive tourist destination.

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