More people staying in Qatar for staycations this summer, say industry experts

Doha, Qatar: Among the trends that tourism is witnessing today there is one becoming more and more popular the staycation tourism. Staycations gaine...

Doha, Qatar: Among the trends that tourism is witnessing today there is one becoming more and more popular — the staycation tourism. Staycations gained traction during COVID-19 pandemic due to restrictions on travel and people started spending time in their own cities and localities.

Staycation is gaining popularity among people living in Qatar as well. More people decided to stay in Qatar during this summer for staycations, instead of going on vacations, and to enjoy the local attractions, according to tourism industry sources.

Khaled Lakmoush, General Manager at Al Muftah Travels, told The Peninsula, “When comparing the percentage of people travelling abroad and those remaining here, we found that less people have travelled this summer, thanks to the developed tourism infrastructure and facilities here.”

During summer staycations, families enjoy museums and beaches. Luxury resorts along the coast and they offer relaxation and comfort.

Talking about the preferred places among staycationers in Qatar, he said, ”The popular staycation spots in Qatar include Souq Waqif for a taste of Qatari culture, Aspire Park for outdoor activities, and Katara Cultural Village for art lovers. Youngsters enjoy riding bikes or electric scooters in Lusail, while visitors can shop at luxurious malls. Desert Falls and Meryal Waterpark are also top summer attractions. West Walk is another popular spot.”