Zermatt and Whistler won’t being worrying yet, but the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) is proposing a novel alternative for skiers and snowboarders who missed out on their annual snow holiday due to travel restrictions: sliding on sand and carving desert dunes, instead of a traditional snow-based holiday.
The QNTC is inviting frustrated winter warriors to instead get their annual adrenaline fix in the middle eastern country – and a fraction of the cost.
Local tour operator Q Explorer Tourism says the spectacular dunes of Khor Al Adaid, otherwise known as the Inland Sea, offer a mesmerizing alternative to tried and tested ski slopes and are waiting to be discovered by adventure-loving travellers. Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to pack their sunscreen – to avoid goggle marks from the sun.
“Travel restrictions have been challenging for many over the last 12 months and there is strong pent-up demand for adventure and new experiences among travellers,” says QNTC COO Berthold Trenkel. “We invite those who enjoy the exhilaration of the slopes to seek their adrenalin rush on the desert dunes this year.”
Beyond sandboarding, Trenkel is quick to point out that Qatar also offers a wide range of more traditional desert activities for visitors, ranging from camel riding to dune bashing on a quad bike, and 4×4 desert safaris with a professional 4WD driver.
New app
Meanwhile, the QNTC has launched an immersive Visit Qatar mobile app. Designed to be a user-centric digital travel companion, visitors can discover Qatar’s cultural heritage sites, extensive outdoor sports activities, diverse culinary scene, and unique attractions before departure at home and while on the ground in Qatar.
Packed full of features, the app offers 360-degree and panoramic views of iconic sites and landmarks, personalized recommendations of nearby attractions, and points of interest. Other helpful functions allow users to swipe right to ‘favourite’ a shortlist of top locations, plot and plan their stay with a map assistant, and discover personalised recommendations based on user preferences.
The app is currently available for free for iOS via the App Store and for Android via Google Play.
Trenkel stated: “Qatar is a country of hidden gems and one that is on a mission to become a leading destination for both local and international travellers. The launch of the Visit Qatar mobile app is a core part of our strategy to modernize our digital marketing and deliver a superior visitor experience. “
Qatar is set come under intense global attention when it hosts the world’s biggest sporting event, the World Cup of football (soccer), from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, 2022.