DOHA: The number of Qataris travelling to South Africa has increased six times in recent years, as the country is becoming a popular destination for tourists from here.
The average number of Qatari tourists visiting South Africa annually has increased from 100 to 600 in the past four years, Saad Cachalia, South African Ambassador to Qatar, told this daily yesterday.
However, he said the total number of people travelling from Qatar would be higher as some residents here could enter South Africa without a prior visa.
“The tourism market is relatively new, but we need to look at Qatar in terms of people. We have 2.3 million people of more than 130 nationalities living here and many who live in Qatar, do not require a visa to go to South Africa — Europeans in particular,” said Cachalia.
Since such tourists to South Africa don’t apply for a visa from Qatar, they will not be counted as travelling from here.
“But there has been a real increase in the number of Qataris going to South Africa over the years… In the last four years, we have seen figures rising from merely 100 to 600 yearly,” said Cachalia.
He also explained about the possibility of Qataris getting to enter South Africa without a prior visa in future.
“We are trying to work on another level in bilateral relations. Over the time, we have begun to look at people from Qatar, particularly Qataris, travelling to South Africa without the hassles applying for visas,” Cachalia said on the sidelines of ‘The South Africa Tourism Experience’ seminar yesterday.
The seminar was held for travel industry representatives to explain what South Africa has to offer to tourists.
In his presentation on ‘Meet South Africa’, Sadiq Dinar, Manager, Trade Relations, Global, South African Tourism, said the number of tourist travelling from Qatar and neighbouring countries is increasing.
“Demand for this (tourism) market is growing, because you see an increased airlift to South Africa,” he said.
According to him, there are at least 21 flights to South Africa from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
South Africa is a popular tourist destination and ranks in top 10, with some 14 million arrivals in 2013. It has strong facilities for adventure, sport, nature and wildlife, and is a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.
Although known for safari rides, South Africa has much more in offering for tourists.
“South Africa is a destination that offers many experiences. It’s a good destination, with culture, strong heritage and lots of natural beauty,” said Dinar.
The Peninsula
Source: thepeninsulaqatar