The entering of Qatar Airways on St. Petersburg’s market will expand the capabilities of tour operators

Qatar Airways is expanding its route network in Russia. Since December 19 the carrier launches the flights on the route Doha - St. Petersburg, which will be carried out daily. The new flights are expanding a range of tours for tour operators with change in Doha. The appearance of Qatar Airways in St. Petersburg experts note as an important event not only for the city, but also for the entire Russian air transportation market. At present the Qatar carrier flies from Doha only to Moscow. As noted Dmitry Gorin, the General Director of Vipservice tour operator, the new flights of Qatar Airways enable tour operators to form an extended range of tours on long-haul destinations with a connection in Doha. "Taking into attention the high level of service of Qatar Airways, which is recognized as one of the best airlines in the world, you can be sure that these flights will be in demand. In addition, in August this year Qatar simplified visa regime for Russians. A free 30-day visa can be obtained by Russian citizens directly upon arrival at Doha Airport. This opens up new opportunities for tourist flows to Qatar - for example, for business tourism, MICE events", - added Mr. Gorin. The appearance of a new carrier in St. Petersburg is also important in that it creates the opportunity for the arrival of football fans from distant countries for 2018 World Cup matches. Experts also draw attention to the fact that St. Petersburg will receive more transportation for flights to Asian and exotic destinations, the demand for which has its regular customer.