(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The inaugural Shop Qatar Festival is getting positive response from the public having generated over QR3m in sales in the first four days, said Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).
'Sales have exceeded QR3m in the first four days based on the coupons that were given out. This is a very encouraging response and we expect the numbers to grow as people do more shopping in the coming days, Saif Al Kuwari, Director of PR and Communication at QTA, said yesterday. Al Kuwari was giving local media an update on the festival yesterday at Mall of Qatar, one of the festival's retail partners.
Shop Qatar also features rich schedule of entertainment
The festival, he stressed, was born out of close partnership between the public and private sectors aimed at reaching the goals of Qatar National Tourism Strategy 2030. 'In order to achieve that we have to create new products from time to time which paved the way to this festival which takes advantage of the vacation period of neighbouring countries and the pleasant weather of Doha this time of the year, he explained.
Today, ten food outlets open up on the Corniche just hours before the spectacular fireworks display. The outlets will open from 4.30pm to 10.30pm until Saturday near Orry the Oryx statue.
'Families can enjoy Doha Corniche with fireworks and ten food trucks and kiosks which will offer everything from gourmet food to local dishes. In addition, a mobile library will also be at the area as part of the participation of Qatar Foundation's national reading campaign which will also see the screening of the film Siraj, QF's new 3D animation ‘edutainment' TV series, said Al Kuwari.
In support of local community initiatives and businesses, a number of booths and activities will be presented by Qatari entrepreneurs and organisations including the Bedaya centre which will sell locally made delicacies.
Lively entertainment is in store for Corniche visitors including music parades, stilt walkers, illusionists, Arda dance, among others. Siraj screenings are scheduled to run for half an hour starting 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm, while firework displays will light up the skies at 8pm every day.
'I encourage all citizens and residents to come to the Cornice starting this Thursday to enjoy what we and our partners have to offer. This is something for the entire family to enjoy, he added.
'In its first edition, Shop Qatar showcases the best of what Qatar has to offer in terms of retail and entertainment. In all of our plans, we ensure tourism events are rooted in Qatari heritage, and we also strive to support community initiatives by offering them a popular platform through QTA festivals to reach a broader audience.
Under the slogan ‘A Brand New Tradition', the festival Shop Qatar runs until February 7, offering residents and visitors up to 50% discounts on popular brands, access to local designer products through pop-up shops, and raffle draws with cash prizes worth QR4mn.
Shop Qatar also features a rich schedule of entertainment that caters to a variety of ages and interests. Arab singing sensations Majid Al Muhandis and Hussain Al Jassmi will perform on January 20 and 27 respectively, while the final weekend of Shop Qatar promises to thrill audiences with the Broadway musical CATS as well as the first ever winter edition of Doha Comedy Festival.
The festival's retail partners include Mall of Qatar, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, Gulf Mall, Landmark, Dar Al Salam Mall, The Gate and The Pearl-Qatar.
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