New charter flights from Ekaterinburg to Qatar are set to launch this fall, with plans for two flights per week, as interest grows for travel to the Middle Eastern nation following the World Cup.
According to travel agent Dmitry Dengolts, the Kazunion tour operator will facilitate these flights from Koltsovo Airport. "Katar привлекателен как для семейного отдыха, так и для культурного туризма благодаря множеству музеев и пляжей, а также доступным ценам," said Dengolts, noting the appealing aspects of Qatar for diverse vacationers.
Targeting the burgeoning tourism market, Kazunion is placing emphasis on this route after it gained significant attention during the World Cup. "Туроператор сделал акцент на этом направлении после чемпионата мира по футболу," said Dengolts, highlighting the effectiveness of the World Cup at increasing Qatar's visibility as a prime tourist destination.
Travel packages to Qatar are expected to be priced similarly to those offered for vacations in the United Arab Emirates, with Kazunion aiming for competitive offers. The operator has prior experience working with the Qatari market on flights from Moscow, paving the way for their expansion to the Ural region.
The planned service reflects not only the rising interest in Qatar but also the overall trend toward increased air travel options from Russian regions. With flights scheduled to operate twice weekly, Kazunion’s initiative contributes to the enhancement of travel infrastructure between Ekaterinburg and Qatar.
Hoping to capture the interest of tourists seeking both cultural heritage and leisurely beach experiences, Kazunion’s flights will likely cater to families and individuals alike.
This venture signals growing confidence among Russian travel operators to expand their offerings and tap new markets for tourism, as they adapt to changing consumer preferences post-pandemic.