Qatar 2022 W/Cup: Nigerians should cash-in on tourism potentials

Nigerians have been urged to take advantage of the tourism potentials of Qatar as it gets set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

This is despite the national football team – The Super Eagles – failing to qualify for the mundial.

Femi Soneye, a tourism consultant, stated this in a phone-in interview with Voice of Nigeria (VON).

Soneye noted while Nigerians may still be nursing the pain of not being among the 32-nations set to compete in Qatar, the world cup window would serve as an opportunity to savour the aesthetic splendour of the Arabian peninsula while enjoying the spirit of football.

“Nigerians love to travel to Europe, North America and Dubai, but Qatar is a different proposition,” he said.

“Doha sands is one of Qatar’s newest beaches where live music, dancing and dining come together for an unforgettable experience. Tourists can also enjoy Doha’s classic food kiosks for a range of culinary options.”

Incentive

Qatar is the first nation in the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup.

According to the country’s Tourism Authority, over 1.5 Million visitors from around the world are expected in the country.

The World Cup will kick-off on November 20.

However, Soneye said  football lovers have a chance to watch the third place final and the grand finale on December 15 and December 19 respectively.

Soneye added that the packages include a four-night Economy package, starting from $3,500, and a four-night Gold package starting from $9,500 per individual.

“We also have customised packages for those wishing to watch only the final match,” he said.

The CEO of Hot Spot said  fans will be treated to first-class hospitality from air pick-ups, accommodation, feeding and live field action.“These include pre-travel concierge, transfers between the airport and hotel and between the hotel and stadium on match days and a 24-hour onsite host team to handle all of your needs” .

“Apart from enjoying a 4-night stay and watching the matches in Doha, fans will have added incentives like visits to world-class museums, gorgeous beaches, enticing markets, impressive architecture, and a unique landscape.”

Soneye said the tourism strategy of Qatar should serve as a queue for Nigerian tourist experts to use the nation’s assets to draw foreign visitors which would help speed-up financial and infrastructural investment in the tourism sub-sector.

Qatar is targeting $17 billion from tourism earnings during the mundial.