Delegation of German Travel Professionals Wowed by Qatar 40 influential travel and hospitality professionals here to see Qatar’s tourism and hospitality potential DOHA 28 SEPTEMBER 2011: A delegation of German travel professionals has spent the last week in Qatar enjoying the sights and most importantly seeing what the country can offer visitors. Qatar Tourism Authority, in conjunction with German travel publication Fvw, has been hosting the group of 40 meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition (MICE) bookers and planners for a week. So far the delegation has seen Qatar’s cultural and leisure offerings, visiting among other places the Museum of Islamic Art, the new Qatar National Convention Centre and Education City. The group has taken a dhow boat cruise and ventured into the interior to the Inland Sea for a traditional “desert safari” as well as visiting the Pearl-Qatar which was deemed “stunning”. Other locations visited included the Grand Hyatt Doha, the Intercontinental Doha and Qatari Diar. Importantly, the group has also seen the country’s extensive tourism and hospitality infrastructure including the soon-to-be-opened Qatar National Convention Centre at Education City, the Doha Exhibition Centre as well as the wide range of luxury hotels the country has to offer. “The delegation has been extremely impressed with Qatar and what is happening here,” said Mrs. Soha Moussa “Head of Promotions” at Qatar Tourism Authority. “QTA has developed a program of activities to showcase Qatar and all its attractions as well as highlight the tourism and hospitality infrastructure in the country such luxury hotels and the New Doha international Airport. “We have received positive reviews and comments from the delegation and all have said they would be interested in recommending Qatar as a destination to their clients.” Mr. Rob Knoedl said he was especially impressed with the extensive leisure facilities in Qatar. “Sealine Beach Resort was just stunning and an impressive gateway to the country, this is a great tourism asset and one that would be very attractive to the German and European market,’ he said. Mrs. Anja Straub says the group has been “completely overwhelmed’ by the warm Arabian hospitality they have received. “I have also been especially impressed with the range of hotels available to visitors, which can cater to all budgets. The Oryx Rotana hotel for example, is an amazing example of a business oriented hotel offering luxury and location,” she said. Mrs. Moussa said the visit concludes on Thursday with an all-day workshop where the delegation will be appraised of the latest developments in Qatar’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry. “Importantly, the delegation and Qatar’s top hospitality and travel decision makers will also discuss ways of cooperation and how to enhance cooperation between the two countries,” Mrs. Moussa added. Germany is the top tourism spender in Europe. A Commerzbank study on projected German travel spending in 2011, has predicted significant growth with a total exceeding the 2008 record-breaking year by more than 1bn euro. Travel agents are the most important factor in recommending a destination and Germany has more travel agencies than any other country, 10,370 in 2010 and revenue of 20.2bn euro. ENDS About Qatar Tourism Authority Restructured under the Emiri Decree (46) in 2009, Qatar Tourism Authority was given the mandate to organize, enable, and supervise the tourism industry development and to organize exhibitions in Qatar, as well as represent and promote Qatar as a quality tourism destination for leisure, business, education, and sport. Qatar Tourism Authority gets actively involved in organizing events and promotions which positively reflect on the general image of Qatar as an evolving tourism destination combining business with leisure. For more information contact: Rachel Morris (+974) 7789 8124 or [email protected] -ILQ news-

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