Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is leading the largest-ever Qatari delegation to this year’s International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin travel trade show.

The five-day event opens today and is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries.

The Qatari delegation comprises officials and representatives of government authorities and hotels and destination
management companies.

The Qatar Pavilion will showcase the best of Qatar and position the country as the world’s new destination and as a central hub in the region for business, leisure, culture, education and sport.

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

Rashed al-Qurese, marketing director, QTA, said: “This is a sophisticated market with discerning travellers actively seeking new and different vacation experiences. We are seeing a very encouraging growth in interest from the German market and are confident that Qatar has what it takes to meet and exceed the expectations of visitors from this part of the world.”

QTA will target buyers from the incentive, luxury travel and leisure sectors, among them associations, conferences 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 market in the Middle East, offering state-of-the-art venues with a harmonious blend of upscale leisure and cultural attractions,” the official said.

Qatar is represented by Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Arts, Qatar Museums Authority, The Diplomatic Club, Katara Hospitality, The Torch Doha, Grand Hyatt Doha, InterContinental Doha, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, The St Regis Doha, Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, Retaj Hotels and Hospitality, Doha Marriot Hotel, Sharq Village and Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Sealine Beach resort, Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, Qatar International Adventures, Arabian Adventures Qatar, Gulf Adventures, Regency Holidays, and Discover Qatar (Qatar Airways Holidays) .