July 5 - Several nationals and residents have criticised the delay in the launch of summer activities of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) along with the delayed announcement of the events. The activities, dubbed Doha Summer Fun City, will begin on July 20 which was announced last week. Many people said the activities should have started earlier since a number of families would be out of the country by mid-July. If people had known about the programmes well in advance they could have planned their holidays accordingly, they said.

The issue was raised during a discussion aired live on Qatar Radio recently in which many participants expressed their disappointment over the way the summer activities were being conducted in the country

Similar sentiments were expressed by the majority of respondents of a survey conducted by a local newspaper. Several respondents who were critical of the low-profile summer events in the country called for more and affordable entertainment venues to be set up. Shopping centres remain the only places to go to for the public in the absence of good and affordable leisure and entertainment spots.

Some said they wondered what plans QTA had to attract foreign tourists to Qatar when nationals and residents here have been forced to look for leisure spots outside the country.

Air fares in Qatar are one of the highest in the region and the hotels and restaurants are also relatively more expensive.