The clock is ticking: The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup countdown clock was launched in Doha last month. — AFP
GEORGE TOWN: With the greatest show on earth less than three months away, Malaysians are already making preparations to catch some of the World Cup football action in Qatar.
Although the weather in Qatar is expected to be hotter and more humid than Malaysia, fans are not too bothered.
They also do not mind digging deep into their pockets just to be part of the quadrennial event, which is being held for the first time during Europe’s late autumn from Nov 20.
Tour agent Benny Kong, 33, said several customers had already signed up for the World Cup tour packages priced at RM19,888 and RM31,888.
He said the 5D/4N tour packages include flight tickets, accommodation and match tickets.
“We will be staying at a five-star hotel in Dubai and flying to Doha in Qatar on match day.
“The RM19,888 package will include a ticket to a semi-final match, while the RM31,888 package includes a ticket to the final,” he said.
Kong said many football fans were excited to travel to support their favourite teams.
“There is also the pent-up desire to travel with the Covid-19 pandemic situation getting better,” he said.
A check with most travel agencies showed that they offered 5D/4N tour packages that would include hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, transportation, meet-and-greet upon arrival and an English-speaking guided tour for the first two days.
However, flight tickets, insurance, and football match tickets were not included.
A ticket for group matches starts from US$1,000 (RM4,476.50), while a ticket for a quarter-final costs between US$1,600 (RM7,162.40) and US$4,900 (RM21,934.85).
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) outbound vice-president Cynthia Tan said there had been enquiries for the packages specially catered for football lovers.
“It is a niche business area. Those going are high-end customers who are really interested in football.
“All flights are rather full and the package is very expensive. There will be exclusive tours, not the normal holidays,” she said.
Tan stated that the tour packages offered include airfare and lodging.
“We estimate the return flight ticket to Doha to cost between RM6,000 and RM10,000. The hotel room rate per night is RM1,000. The match tickets and tours will be optional,” she said.
A farmer, who wished to be known as Paul, 40, said he had bought tickets for the Portugal-Germany match in the group matches but decided to cancel the trip at the last minute.
“I was hoping to watch Cristiano Ronaldo, my favourite player and Germany, my favourite team, in action but I called it off after learning that alcohol is not allowed during matches.
“Besides, there are many restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
The first match will feature the host nation against Ecuador on Nov 20.
