Qatar Showcases Tourism Options at Berlin Travel Expo

Doha, March 11 (QNA) - The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is showcasing the country's growing importance as a tourist destination and options available at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin. QTA is leading a delegation of officials and representatives from 25 of Qatar's top hotels and tourism operators to Europe's most high profile trade show which concludes today. Staged annually in Berlin, the ITB is a five-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations, products and services from 4,000 suppliers representing over 160 countries. The event gives travel industry professionals the opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business at one venue. QTA Director of Tourism Abdulla Malalla Al Bader spoke at the opening day event sponsored by the German-Arab Tourism Forum. The Forum, which was held for the 12th time at ITB, provided participants an opportunity to hear discussions between the Arabian States and their importance to the German market. Al Bader presented how Qatar has developed in a very short time into a internationally recognized destination for tourism. During the show, QTA launched a social media campaign in co-operation with German travel trade publication FVW. The campaign accessible at www.facebook.com/qatar.qatartourism provided for followers the opportunity to participate in a raffle whereas a daily VIP prize was drawn at the booth. The Pacific Area International Travel Writers Association (PATWA) honoured QTA Chairman Ahmed Al Nuaimi as the 'International Achiever of the Year' in an awards ceremony during ITB Berlin. Al Nuaimi said Qatar's tourism and promotion strategy in Europe played to the country's strengths. "Qatar has become one of the emerging destinations in world travel and tourism thanks to Qatar Airways' growth as well as our strategy to highlight the range of activities on offer in Qatar," he said. "Qatar as everything a high end traveller needs - stunning hotels, cultural icons, many leisure activities and for the business traveler, ease of access. "It is important for QTA and our delegation to participate in events like ITB Berlin as it not only allows us to showcase Qatar as a destination, but we can also discover new trends in the industry." (QNA)