Qatar Tourism, Old Doha Port participate in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Spain

Madrid, Spain - Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port took part in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, which took place at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Gran Canaria, Spain on September 16-17, as part of their commitment to enhance Qatar's standing among global cruise routes and foster industry expansion.

Qatar Tourism highlighted that their presence centered on utilizing the advancements in Qatar's infrastructure, air connectivity, hotel capacity, and varied tourism offerings to generate concrete growth prospects for the sector. They aimed to foster collaborations with cruise operators and devise upcoming cruise opportunities through a comprehensive approach.

During the event, the Qatari team met with representatives from international cruise lines, industry executives, and key decision-makers to reinforce long-term partnerships and discuss potential cruise ventures. These discussions provided valuable insights into industry trends and the sector's future growth prerequisites.

Qatar Tourism joined the Cruise Arabia Alliance stand, highlighting the significance of regional cooperation in developing the Gulf's cruise offerings. By joining forces with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) destinations, Qatar Tourism engaged with international cruise lines and explored opportunities to strengthen regional itineraries, boost cruise traffic across the Gulf, and solidify Qatar's role as a crucial port of call along these routes.

Both Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port are collaborating with public and private sector partners to bolster destination and operational preparedness, elevate cruise passengers' experiences, develop premium tourism experiences, and promote pre- and post-cruise stays.

Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Director of Operations Affairs at Qatar Tourism, emphasized that cruise tourism is a vital component of Qatar's broader tourism strategy. Their participation at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 demonstrated their dedication to the sector's ongoing development and their aim to cement Qatar's presence on the global cruise tourism map in the upcoming seasons.

Mohamed Al Atwaan, Chief Operating Officer at Old Doha Port, noted that the growth of cruise tourism hinges on not just creating new routes, but also on maintaining strong coordination and upholding consistent operational standards. Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 offered a crucial platform for engaging with cruise lines, port operators, and tourism partners to understand their evolving needs, including berthing, marine services, and overall arrival experiences.

Al Atwaan added that these discussions would help inform Old Doha Port's future planning as they continue to work alongside Qatar Tourism and industry partners to enhance operational readiness and support Doha's position as a key port of call within Gulf itineraries.