Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN Sign Strategic MOU at ATM Dubai 2026 to Launch Direct Charter Flights from Russia

Visit Qatar signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TT-Travel LLC (FUN&SUN), one of the leading tour operators on Russian and CIS markets, on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. The partnership will launch a dedicated charter flight programme connecting several airports in Russia directly to Hamad International Airport (Doha) from October 2026.

Under the agreement, Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will collaborate on a dedicated charter programme designed to increase direct air connectivity between Russia and Qatar and support the volume growth of leisure travellers from Russia. The programme is expected to generate more than 22,000 Russian tourist arrivals to Qatar throughout the 2026/2027 winter season, with direct services operating from two Russian cities: Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

The partnership will also support the development and promotion of comprehensive holiday packages combining direct flights with beachfront hotels and resorts, excursions and cultural experiences. This will provide Russian travellers with greater choice and convenience when planning winter holidays in Qatar, while showcasing the destination's luxury hospitality, family entertainment, cultural attractions and beachfront experiences.

In addition to the charter programme, Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will implement a joint co-marketing campaign across key Russian hubs to drive destination awareness and package conversions. Activity will include B2B training webinars, retail travel agency incentives, trade roadshows and co-branded digital B2C advertising, supported by FUN&SUN's nationwide retail and sub-agency network of more than 600 partner agencies.

This partnership supports Visit Qatar's strategy to diversify international source markets, expand direct air connectivity and grow Qatar's share of the premium leisure segment across Russia and the CIS. By combining dedicated charter capacity with coordinated destination marketing and established travel-trade distribution, the collaboration will strengthen Qatar's presence in the Russian market and support continued growth in visitor arrivals throughout the 2026/2027 winter season.