Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will lead a delegation of representatives from 30 hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies to the 22^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from 4 to 7 May.

The group will showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, tourist attractions and new airline routes, as well as upcoming hotel establishments and tourism projects at the ATM Exhibition.

High Level Discussions at Arab Ministerial Forum

His Excellency Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of QTA will also be speaking at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) & ATM Ministerial Forum on intra-Arab Tourism.

“There have been many fruitful discussions about how to enhance the level of Arab cooperation in the field of tourism. At this meeting, Qatar aims to stress the need expedite the development of an Arab tourism strategy, focusing on how we can come together to take full advantage of the massive opportunities that Expo 2020 Dubai and 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar present for our region. We seek to move forward in developing practical and implementable plans, with an emphasis on improving the overall experience of visitors to the Arab world,” commented Al Mohannadi.

“Qatar is well positioned at the event, with a range of industry stakeholders showcasing the unique proposition that Qatar offers to business and leisure travelers alike,” he added.

Showcasing Qatar’s Current and Upcoming Offerings

The Arabian Travel Market Exhibition unites key market players from six continents and features seminars, debates and workshops that provide topical and forward thinking, insightful content from industry pioneers.

“This substantial representation reflects the importance to Qatar of tourism from the GCC, as well as from the broader Middle East market, in terms of both visitor numbers and tourist spending,” said Mr. Rashed Al-Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer, QTA.

He continued, “ATM is the leading Middle East travel industry forum and it provides us with an excellent platform to convey the message that Qatar offers an ideal package of top quality accommodation, cultural attractions, family entertainment, dining and shopping, as well as other leisure activities likely to appeal to this regional market.”

QTA will also benefit from the event to emphasize the aspects of Qatar’s tourism offering that are attractive to overseas visitors. These include modern shopping malls, sporting and recreational facilities, in addition to an authentic taste of traditional Arab hospitality and a range of cultural experiences unmatched in the region.

Marine Tourism and the Cruise Arabia Alliance

QTA will also be present at the ATM cruise pavilion as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, a group of regional destinations including Oman, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai that cooperate to collectively attract cruise operators to the Gulf region, and to develop the cruise industry. The Alliance aims to promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise tourism hot spot regionally and internationally.

According to Mr. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at QTA, Qatar is planning to transfer all cargo shipping operations by mid-2016 to the $8 billion ‘New Doha Port’ in the south of Doha, freeing up the ’Old Doha Port’ for cruise ships.

“Following on a very successful launch at the International Cruise Convention in Miami earlier this year, the first time we have participated with our regional partners in the Cruise Arabia Alliance, we have this year expanded Qatar’s presence at ATM, now including representatives to service the cruise industry,” said Al Ibrahim. “These first steps have been important, and we are confident that Qatar will play an increasingly important role in cruise tourism development going forward.”

Participating Stakeholders

The Qatari delegation taking part in ATM Dubai 2015 includes:

· Arabian Adventures Qatar

· Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

· Concorde Hotel Doha

· Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

· Doha Bus

· Doha Marriott Hotel

· Four Seasons Hotel Doha

· Fraser Suites Doha

· Governor West Bay Suites & Residences

· Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa

· Grand Hyatt Doha

· Gulf Adventures

· Intercontinental Doha

· Intercontinental Doha - The City

· Jnan Tours

· La Cigale Hotel

· Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

· Moevenpick Hotel West Bay Doha

· Plaza Inn Doha

· Qatar International Adventures

· Regency Holidays

· Retaj Hotels & Hospitality

· Shangri-La Hotel, Doha

· Sharq Village & Spa

· The Ritz-Carlton

· The St. Regis Doha

· The Torch Doha

· Travel Designer W.L.L.

· Wyndham Grand Regency Doha

· Zubarah Hotel

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