Last year, Qatar Tourism launched the country’s largest ever international tourism marketing campaign “Experience a World Beyond” in a push to become the fastest-growing tourism destination in the Middle East. A new, dedicated website and mobile app was launched to showcase the world-leading destination as the launch of more than 100 new hotels approaches in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Since the launch, Qatar tourism scene has grown tremendously. However, a part of the country’s tourism drive also includes its natural environments ranging from wetlands, natural areas, flora, fauna and other habitats.
In light of this, Qatar has taken advantage of the whale shark gathering, ensuring locals, residents and tourists can enjoy this natural phenomenon in a secured and controlled area – posing no harm or disruption to this habitat. Experts say that the most significant threat to whale sharks is habitat loss or degradation in the form of overfishing of reef fish, coastal development, land-based pollution, increased boat traffic and noise pollution.
Each year, hundreds of whale sharks congregate in the waters off the north east coast of Qatar from April to September. The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of Whale Sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. While these magnificent creatures are the biggest fish in the ocean, they are also one of the most gentle and majestic creatures that you will find underwater.
Yesterday, Discover Qatar announced an extension of the Whale Sharks of Qatar tour which offers guests an awe-inspiring experience while travelling in luxury and comfort. Since the first sailing on June 3, 2022, Discover Qatar has carried over 250 passengers on the ‘Whale Sharks of Qatar - Daily Explorer’ and continues to provide guests the chance to embark on a unique journey to observe one of the largest congregations of the world’s largest living fish.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our guests to connect with nature in Qatar through this unparalleled experience. We look forward to welcoming more guests before the end of the season.”
According to Discover Qatar, the Whale Shark Research project in Qatar has recorded more than 600 Whale Shark in their database which is a world record.
Recently, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change urged the public on the importance of a successful whale shark gathering season to preserve Qatar’s environment and to ensure its biodiversity.
