After tourism drop...Qatar allows visa-free for citizens of 80 countries

CAIRO- 9 August 2017: Qatar Tourism Authority announced on Wednesday that citizens of 80 countries will be exempted from paying visa charges, according to Russia Today (RT).

The decision comes amid a deterioration of internal tourism and closure of 97% of hotels following accusations of Qatar of continuing to support terrorism and reject the demands of Egypt and Gulf States.

Doha has launched a new service to provided entry visa to Qatar easily, said the chief Tourism Development Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority during a press conference on Wednesday.

On June 5, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions, accusing it of funding terrorism – a claim Qatar rejects.

They also closed their airspace and seaports to Qatari transportation affecting its economy greatly.

The Arab quartet issued 13 demands to Doha – then shortened to six principles – including closing Al Jazeera television, curbing relations with Iran and shutting down a Turkish military base.