Qatar Airways' five star service on show in Beirut, Moscow, Tokyo, Cairo and Deauville

The high profile Arab World Travel and Tourism Conference and Exhibition (AWTTE) attracted thousands of visitors to the Lebanese capital Beirut with Qatar Airways showcasing its hospitality over the four-day event.

A year after making its debut at JATA, the Japan Association of Travel Agents' annual show, the airline celebrated the launch of its new flights between Doha and Osaka with a much bigger presence at this year's event in Tokyo.

The Egyptian capital Cairo was the centre of attention for travel professionals from around the Middle East as it staged a three-day event - Mediterranean Travel Trade Fair - at which Qatar Airways was an exhibitor for the second year running.

Qatar Airways also participated at Top Resa, the leading French travel trade exhibition in Deauville, which attracted the crème de la crème of the travel and tourism industry from across France. The airline gave away air tickets raffled on its stand during the show.

And travel agents and tour operators from across Russia converged on the capital for Leisure Moscow 2005, where Qatar Airways promoted its latest products and destinations. A troupe of Sri Lankan dancers entertained visitors to the stand during the four-day show.

The event was followed by Millionaire Fair Moscow 2005, where Qatar Airways' First Class seat-cum-flat bed made its exhibition debut. The event is one of the world's most prestigious shows where companies unveil their newest products and services targeting the rich and famous.

Visitors to the Qatar Airways stand had the chance to win First Class tickets in a raffle draw for travel anywhere on the airline's global network.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the six back-to-back events helped raise the airline's profile in key markets across the world.

"As we are growing at such a phenomenal rate, it is vitally important to make our presence felt at leading exhibitions and trade fairs around the world," he said.

"We are making a significant mark on the international aviation scene and as the national airline of the State of Qatar, are proud to spread our wings across the world and be recognised for the quality of service that we offer."

He added: "By attending these exhibitions, it gives us an opportunity to build and strengthen our relationships with existing trade partners and develop business with new ones."

Over the next three months, Nairobi, Madrid and Berlin will be added to the airline's rapidly growing international network from its operational hub of Doha. The additional routes will increase Qatar Airways' global reach from 66 to 69 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East.

On November 15, Qatar Airways will launch five-flights-a-week to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi; Madrid will be served three-times-a-week from December 2; and Berlin four-times-a-week beginning December 15.