Expert Update on Qatar: 10 Questions with Evan Kranson

Curious about traveling to Qatar? You’ve come to the right place! Our Account Manager Evan Kranson recently returned from a business trip to Qatar. Evan has shared the highlights of his trip and answered our questions about selling Qatar to your clients.

Trips to Qatar

1. Where did you travel?

I traveled to Qatar, touring the city of Doha as well as Lusail, The Pearl, and Al Sadd.

2. What is the number one thing agents should know about Qatar?

There’s a lot to see here beyond just the city. The city’s architecture is amazing, but there are beautiful beaches as well and opportunities to travel to the Inland Sea, doing some dune bashing along the way. Around 95% of travelers only pass through Qatar en route to other destinations, so there’s a huge opportunity to take advantage of the country as its own standalone destination.

3. What is the biggest misconception about Qatar?

That it is not safe and not family friendly. I felt completely safe while traveling throughout the country and noticed that everyone was very friendly and spoke English.

4. What was your favorite hotel?

The travel group in Doha—Evan far left. (Credit: Mitchell Fawcett)

We had the opportunity to visit a few hotels. I’d like to mention three in particular that I believe would cater to three different styles of travelers. The Park Hyatt in Doha is located in the city center and offers a two-story spa along with a rooftop bar offering great views of the city. The rooms were gorgeous and the several on-site restaurants offered great food options. The Ned, Doha, located in the former Ministry of Interior building, is a boutique hotel offering rooms with a nod to 1970s glamour. The hotel offers seven restaurants, 90 rooms, and Ned’s Club, which gives access to a rooftop terrace, health club with spa, and an outdoor pool. Finally, the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is located on the longest private beach in the city. Situated in West Bay Lagoon and minutes away from the city center, this beach resort offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the Doha skyline. It’s a great option for family travelers.

5. What new things did you learn about Qatar?

Qatar is a great stopover destination for people continuing on to Africa and Asia. As well, I knew that the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix will take place in October 2023, but I didn’t realize just how great a destination it is for racing fans. If your clients are into Formula 1, put Qatar on their radar.

6. What was your favorite local experience?

I loved our guided tour of the Katara Cultural Village along with the city tour of the different towns and areas within Doha. It provided an opportunity to see and understand the different cultures throughout the region. The city tour showcased a lot of city landmarks. In addition, the National Museum of Qatar provides an overview of Qatar’s rich heritage and culture.

7. What was your favorite individual destination or landmark?

I really enjoyed the Soug Waqif, which is a traditional marketplace in the heart of the capital, Doha. It provides diverse traditional goods all in one spot.

8. What were your favorite local dishes or drinks?

We had the opportunity to try Majboos, which is made with lamb or chicken and served with seasoned rice and homemade tomato sauce along with a salad. I also enjoyed the different types of yogurts they served with the different meals we had throughout our stay.

9. What would be the perfect complement as an extension to this trip?

The Doha skyline at night. (Credit: Evan Kranson)

I would recommend Qatar & Seychelles Escape, which includes a few nights in Doha to explore the city before jetting off to the Seychelles for a beach holiday.