Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority participates in ILTM in Cannes

QTEA is promoting Qatar to the luxury international market, by focusing on VIP buyers from upscale leisure sector, among them business people, travel agents and board of tourism authorities.

Qatar is already known as a hub of business innovation, but is attracting more and more travellers looking for a unique and luxury destination. Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is educating travellers on the country's exclusive leisure and cultural attractions, as well as the independent spirit and progressive orientation that makes Qatar unique. Qatar represents the bridge between the Arabic traditional heritage and global innovation, with a fine life style.

With a total investment of $17bn over the next five years on tourism infrastructure, including the construction of luxury hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, Qatar is even more attractive for travellers from more than 80 countries, connected to this key location thanks to Qatar Airways.

Luxury travelers visiting QTEA's promotional stand were delighted to learn more about luxury facilities Qatar is now offering, with currently 15 5-star hotels, and a forecast increase in hotel capacity up to 29,000 hotel rooms and hotel apartments by 2012, shopping and leisure complexes in the Pearl Qatar and all over Doha, unique desert safaris to the unspoiled Inland Sea, and the discovery of the cultural landmark Museum of Islamic Arts. Buyers from all over Europe expressed their enthusiasm to come and visit Qatar.

As Mr Ahmed A. Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, commented:

"Qatar is becoming a key location between Europe and Asia. More and more travellers extend their stop-over to stay in Qatar and enjoy with their family the safe and luxury destination, with upscale facilities like our 5-star hotels, shopping malls with major international brands, cultural premier collection, such as the Museum of Islamic Arts. All the meetings we have reflect this growing interest in our country."

The Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is accompanied by a high level delegation, including several Qatar tourism organisations such as Al Sharq Village and Spa and major travel companies, such as Fal Travelmart Travel and Tours and Destinations of the World Qatar.

Staged annually in Cannes, the International Luxury Travel Market is a three day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations, products and services from 1500 international suppliers. The event is a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business at one venue, in the "Palais des Festivals et des Congres".