While January and February forecasts may be lower for the hospitality industry in Qatar and the Mena region amid the onslaught of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, “the rest of the year looks very promising” and the demand is expected “to pick up very strongly leading up to the FIFA 2022 World Cup”, a senior hotelier has said.
Aurelio Giraudo, cluster general manager at Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb & La Cigale Hotel managed by Accor, told Gulf Times that he sees 2022 to be a remarkable year for Qatar, citing that 1.2mn visitors are likely to travel to the country for the showpiece event.
“Before that there are lots of other events planned as well, which in return will generate demand for the hospitality industry and boost tourism i.e. Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Doha Book Fair, Katara Arabian Horse Festival, Dimdex, Milipol, Fencing Grand Prix, Tennis and Table Tennis Tournaments, Al Shaqab, MotoGP, Diamond League, World Padel Tour, Qatar Masters – Golf…