Qatar hopes to attract over 1 mil World Cup visitors

Qatar 2022 World Cup hopes to attract 1.2 million tourists to the Gulf country, an official said, hosting them in traditional hotels and "innovative" accommodation.

Fatma al-Nuaimi, head of communications at the Supreme Committee that is organising the 2022 tournament said,"We hope that during the World Cup, more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world will attend."

"They will not (all) be in the country at the same time, as the event extends over a period of 28 days," she told AFP.

In addition to the hotels already available, Nuaimi said there were other "innovative and temporary" solutions to hosting visitors.

Those include accommodation on cruise liners, hotel apartments, fan villages with an Arabian desert vibe, as well as stays in private homes.

Officials have said 16 floating hotels will also be built, providing around 1,600 rooms in total.

Nuaimi said the "Host a Fan" initiative will give visitors an opportunity to learn about Qatari culture.
She said while alcohol was not part of Qatari culture, "alcoholic beverages will be available in designated areas".