Qatar Tourism has revamped its Hayya Platform, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering.
The relaunch of the Hayya Platform, which allowed the entry of over a million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament, and its application via smart phones will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar. This will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens, who are issued an “Authorisation Electronic Travel” permit.
Commenting on the latest initiative, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, chairman of Qatar Tourism and group chief executive of Qatar Airways, said: “Qatar’s national tourism strategy seeks to welcome over six million visitors a year by 2030. Already, Qatar is considered the most open country in terms of visa facilitation in the Middle East and the eighth most open globally, with more than 95 nationalities granted visa on arrival. We are pleased that the latest developments will further cement Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination and will provide the opportunity for even more travelers to experience the country’s truly unique touristic offering.”
Saeed Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of the Hayya Platform, commented: “The relaunch of the Haya Platform in its new form today is an extension of the strategic vision that the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy had previously developed, a vision that centers on the sustainable legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022”
The latest development reflects Qatar’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector, which forms an important pillar to the economy, and reflects the longer-term strategic vision to position the country as the leading tourism destination in the region.
