By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

The Paris tragedy poses a very minimal impact on travel agencies in Doha since only few Qatar residents travel to the French capital during the winter, it is learnt.

Speaking to Gulf Times, a leading travel agency spokesperson said many Qataris and expatriates prefer to stay in Qatar than to travel abroad during this period.

“Most of them go out of the country before Ramadan and during the Eid holidays,” she said. In fact, we do not have any bookings to Paris right now.”

Unlike spring and summer, the winter season is considered off peak for Qatar residents, she added. “It is also the time of the year when employees have exhausted their leave credits.”

Besides European countries such as France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Greece and Scandinavia, many Qataris also frequent destinations in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok and Malaysia.

During winter, Turkey, particularly Istanbul, is an attraction among Qatari families because of its proximity and the availability of Halal foods.

An official of another popular travel agency in Doha also said no bookings have been cancelled after the Paris attacks last Friday.

The tragedy also prompted France to declare a state of emergency, closing its borders and disallowed outbound travels.

Some expatriates in Qatar who travelled to some European countries near France such as Netherlands and Germany a few days ago wanted to visit Paris but were forced to change their travel plans.

A couple who entered Belgium said they decided to visit their friend in Luxemburg since there was no chance to enter Paris.

The January terror attacks in Paris also created a similar impact on travel agencies in Doha, according to the source.

“We had few bookings to France at that time and still our customers pushed through with their travels,” he said. “For Qataris, they prefer to enter the UK first and travel to Paris and other European destinations after.”