DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways’ passengers in transit can now explore some of the city’s major tourist attractions on a free tour of Doha.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority started this joint initiative to ensure that Qatar Airways’ passengers get to enjoy a brief taste of the city while in transit.

“Our aim is to promote Qatar as a tourism destination, and to provide Qatar Airways’ passengers with a unique experience of Doha, free of charge,” states Acting Head of Qatar Airways Holidays Nigel Burnell Stoker. “Based on the feedback we have received since 1 February, it is clear that passengers transiting in Doha genuinely enjoy the city tour. We currently operate four daily tours, running at full capacity.”

Rashed Al Qurese, Director of Marketing and Promotions at QTA, said: “Doha is a fascinating city that combines cutting-edge modernity with rich cultural tradition. With the Doha City Tour, passengers can catch a glimpse of everything the city has to offer and find reasons to return for a longer stay. Overall, we are seeing strong growth in all aspects of Qatar's tourism sector, including the number of visitors that come to Qatar each year and the contribution of tourism to diversifying the national economy, as per the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 announced last week. Qatar Tourism Authority is proud of these developments, as we work with partners to promote Qatar as a destination of choice and showcase the wide range of tourism offerings."

Passengers with five to 12 hours transit time in Doha can book the free city tour by visiting the Doha City Tour counter at Doha International Airport. Booking is done on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to seat availability on the coach. The duration of the tour is around three hours, and it takes passengers on a journey through the key landmarks around Doha city, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche, West Bay area, Katara Cultural and Heritage Village, The Pearl Qatar and Souq Waqif.

The Doha City Tour is conducted in an air-conditioned coach with an English speaking guide providing information and insights about Doha for the full duration of the tour.

Qatar is a world-class hub with deep cultural roots. One of the world’s fastest growing cities, Doha seamlessly blends the traditional with the modern. The stunning Museum of Islamic Art is an icon for art, culture and heritage, housing precious works from more than 200 years of Islamic civilisation.

Souq Waqif offers the bustle and vitality of an old traditional souq with perfectly replicated buildings featuring traditional architecture. Here the traveler will find handicrafts on display as well as traditional foods and spices, perfumes, fabrics and art. Katara Cultural Village is the focal point for arts and culture in Doha and has art galleries, an amphitheatre for opera, drama and concerts performance as well as restaurants and a beach and water sports facilities.

Qatar is also a leading business travel destination, and a wide selection of five-star luxury hotels cater to the taste of the international traveller while offering the best of Arabian hospitality.