Best of Qatar to be showcased at world travel expo

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is leading the Qatar delegation at World Travel Market (WTM) 2013, the biggest global annual event for the travel industry, to be held in London from tomorrow (November 4) until November 7 at ExCel London.

At the world’s largest tourism and hospitality trade show, Qatar is being represented by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Katara, Qatar UK 2013, Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar Airways and The Diplomatic Club, in addition to a range of tour operators and hotels.

These include Century Hotel Doha, InterContinental Doha - The City, Retaj Hotels and Hospitality, InterContinental Doha, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel, Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park, Best Western Hotel Doha, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, Doha Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, Sharq Village & Spa, Sealine Beach Resort, Four Communications, Qatar International Adventures and Regency Travel and Tours.

Hosted by QTA, the Qatar pavilion - covering 406sqm and with 23 participants - will help position Qatar as the world’s upcoming destination and a central hub in the region for business, leisure, culture, education and sports.

Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi, chairman of QTA, said: “We have an exceptionally strong presence at this global show. This is the largest Qatar participation since our first exhibition at WTM back in the 1980s.”

QTA will represent and promote Qatar to the UK and European market by focusing on buyers from the incentive, luxury travel and leisure sectors, among them associations, conference organisers, incentive planners and large group travel organisers. Already known as a progressive business hub, Qatar is well-positioned to take advantage of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market in the Middle East, offering state-of-the-art venues with a blend of upscale leisure and cultural attractions.

“Situated centrally between the East and West, and a short flight from Britain on Qatar Airways, Qatar offers a unique experience for its visitors. The country merges the classic Arabian traditions with modern luxury facilities. In 2012 alone, we had nearly 40,000 arrivals from Europe. This elevated Europe to Qatar’s third visitor market for the first time. With Qatar Airways’ non-stop flights to 30 European cities, we are sure arrivals from Britain and Europe will increase further,” said al-Mohannadi.

Nearly 5,000 exhibitors from 184 countries are expected to attend London’s biggest annual travel event next week. The event is expected to attract more than 48,000 senior travel professionals, government officials and international media to discover the latest industry opinion and trends at WTM.

QTA will focus on holding buyer meetings and interacting with counterparts in the UK and European tourism industry during their stay to raise interest in Qatar as a destination for business and leisure travel.