Italian Football Legend Andrea Pirlo Says ‘No Football. No Worries’ in Qatar Tourism Campaign

Legendary Italian footballer Andrea Pirlo stars in a new global campaign by Qatar Tourism titled “No Football. No Worries.” The iconic sportsman, who famously played for the Italian national team, will show just how much Qatar has to offer and where to experience the best of the Middle East.

In a series of humorous advertisements, viewers see Pirlo enjoying various adventures in Qatar, from sandboarding down the desert dunes of the Inland Sea and soaking up the culture in the Museum of Islamic Art to kitesurfing at the country’s new resort, Fuwairit Kite Beach.

Andrea Pirlo said: “I have really enjoyed exploring Qatar. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people and has so much to offer. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, you can enjoy Qatar and experience adventure, culture and thrilling activities – I have been many times before, and I can’t wait to visit again.”

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar offers the best of the Middle East all in one safe and accessible place, alongside a warm welcome for visitors from all over the world. We offer our Qatari hospitality to every visitor who travels to Qatar, where they can experience the trip of a lifetime. We hope our latest playful campaign reveals the variety of adventures on offer, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets.”

“No Football. No Worries.” adverts are launching on global broadcasters. They will be activated in 17 countries across local TV stations, social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, and online platforms including YouTube and the Google Display Network.

The campaign forms part of Qatar Tourism’s new global brand platform, “Feel More in Qatar”, which focuses on the family-friendly activities and experiences on offer in the destination.     

The central “Feel More in Qatar” campaign also launches in December. It sees three engaging animated characters introduce a family to the breadth of emotional experiences they will have in Qatar, as well as the country’s renowned hospitality and warm welcome. The characters - Shaheen the falcon, Maha the Arabian oryx and Lulu the hawksbill turtle, represent Qatar’s iconic wildlife and guide the family to discover the soul of Qatar; a destination that blends cosmopolitan modernity and stunning landscapes with Arabic tradition and culture.

Pirlo is currently manager of the Turkish Süper Lig club Fatih Karagümrük. During his active football-playing years, he starred for Inter and AC Milan, Juventus, New York City FC, and his Italian national side. Pirlo appeared in every match of Italy’s title-winning run at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, scoring the first goal in the final penalty shoot-out that helped his side secure victory over France.

Qatar Tourism has an ambitious long-term strategy to increase the number of inbound visitors to more than six million annually by 2030. The destination will achieve this by boosting the entire tourism value chain, increasing local and international visitor demand, attracting inward investment, and driving a multiplier effect across the domestic economy.