Hamburg: Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with leading public and private sector partners, participated in Seatrade Cruise Europe 2025 in Hamburg from September 10-12, highlighting the remarkable growth of Qatar’s cruise sector. The Visit Qatar pavilion at the exhibition served as a collaborative platform, bringing together key government entities such as the Ministry of Interior (Immigration Department and the Permanent Committee for Seaport Affairs), Mwani Qatar, Old Doha Port, and the General Authority of Customs. It also featured leading private sector representatives, including Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Doha Bus, Qatar International Tours, Travel Designer, and Al Tawfeeq Travel.
According to Qatar News Agency, the delegation showcased the opportunities for international cruise lines to collaborate with Qatar and support the sector’s continued growth, reaffirming the country’s commitment to developing cruise tourism and positioning Doha as a leading regional hub for marine travel. Throughout the exhibition, the Qatar delegation engaged in selected conference sessions, held strategic one-to-one meetings with leading cruise operators, and welcomed distinguished visitors to the Visit Qatar pavilion.
Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, stated: “Cruise tourism is a vital pillar of our strategy and aligns closely with Qatar National Vision 2030 by diversifying our offerings, attracting international visitors, and supporting economic growth.” He emphasized the growth in the sector, noting that last season Doha Port welcomed nearly 360,000 visitors, reflecting rising demand. As the new cruise season approaches in November, Qatar remains committed to positioning Doha as a premier regional hub for marine tourism by forging new partnerships and showcasing the unique experiences the country has to offer.
Ahead of the exhibition, on September 9, Qatar Tourism participated in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Conference, engaging in targeted discussions with global cruise operators. On September 10, Qatar Tourism hosted an exclusive networking event at the Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg Hotel, attended by over 150 distinguished guests, including representatives from leading cruise lines and regional tourism boards.
The gathering provided a platform to strengthen industry connections, explore partnership opportunities, and highlight Qatar’s authentic hospitality and cultural experiences. Further activities included a networking lunch hosted by TUI Cruises on September 13, attended by representatives from Qatar Tourism and Mwani, as well as a site visit to Hamburg Cruise Center Altona for Qatari government stakeholders.
Qatar is preparing for the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season this November, with 73 scheduled cruise calls, including four maiden calls to Doha Port. The 2024/2025 season closed with 87 calls, a 19% increase from the previous season, and more than 396,000 visitors, reflecting a 5% year-on-year growth. This momentum underscores Doha Port’s role as a key regional hub, enhanced by the state-of-the-art Grand Cruise Terminal.
By working closely with government entities and private stakeholders, Qatar Tourism continues to enhance the cruise visitor journey by streamlining entry procedures, strengthening facilities, and ensuring every guest enjoys the very best of Qatar’s hospitality in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.