Doha: A new cruise passenger terminal was inaugurated today at Doha Port, just as thousands of passengers disembarked from the megaship Mein Schiff 5, ushering in Qatar's fourth and largest cruise tourism season.
Spread over 6000 square meters, the new facility will act as a temporary terminal for the next two seasons until the completion of Doha Port's expansion plan, due in 2022.
Mein Schiff 5 is the first of 74 ships expected this season which equates to a 66% increase in the number of ships from last season.
HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti explained that the opening of the new temporary terminal in Doha Port will support the country's strategy to develop cruise tourism, adding: "Doha Port is playing a key role in reinforcing Qatars position as an attractive tourist destination through securing and receiving international cruise ships, as well as providing all the facilities necessary for the growth of a sector that is considered a key contributor to the economic diversity pursued by Qatar National Vision 2030."
HE the Minister added that Doha Port continues to receive ships even as it undergoes to a comprehensive development process that will see it become a unique and all-inclusive cruise tourism hub, highlighting that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has completed the dredging and digging works that significantly increased the port's berthing capacity.
HE the Minister also stated that Mwani, Qatar National Tourism Council and other stakeholders continue to collaborate towards the larger goal of delivering world-class services to all passengers and ensuring swift and seamless flows into and out of the Port.
حيث يستقبل مبنى الركاب المؤقت الجديد ركاب السفن السياحية خلال الموسم الحالي والموسمين القادمين حتى انتهاء أعمال التطوير والتجديد الشاملة في ميناء الدوحة بحلول عام 2022. pic.twitter.com/DBlXJnUc71
— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) October 22, 2019