State of Qatar participates in World Travel Market 2005

Qatar took this opportunity to showcase its remarkable achievements in establishing itself as a tourism destination and important player in international travel. At the same time it will continue develop public-private partnership in tourism, especially in light of ambitious plans for the forthcoming period, including infrastructure associated with the Doha international airport development and organization of events such as the Asian Games in 2006.

"This has been an exciting few months for Qatar's tourism industry and Qatar Tourism Authority. On September 27th, Qatar celebrated World Tourism Day with the country's first National Tourism Conference; was the official guest country during the recent AWTTE exhibition in Beirut and this, our fourth year to participate in the World Travel Market, looks to be our best yet." said Jan Poul de Boer, Acting Director General of Qatar Tourism Authority.

"Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented rate of economic growth which includes phenomenal infrastructure and services development to the country's tourism and related sectors so is no surprise that our co-participant numbers during this years show has increased dramatically. We are pleased to be joining forces with nineteen industry partners including representatives from The Pearl Qatar project, the Doha Asian Games, various Qatar hotels and other tourism stakeholders. Visitors to the QTA stand will be assured extensive information on Qatar"

continued Mr. de Boer.

In terms of infrastructural development, there are few countries in the region that can match Qatar optimism. With the US$15 billion tourism master plan unveiled in 2004 surging ahead, the next few years look set to promise more of the same. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, the dynamic Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority and CEO of Qatar Airways, is the driving force behind the strategic integrated developments and consequent realisation of the overall master plan.

"The Middle East region is undoubtedly the fastest growing region for tourism, experiencing an estimated 17% growth rate in the first four months of this year", adds Mr. de Boer. "The current 6% contribution of tourism to Qatar's GDP is expected to rise along with the development plans including projects such as the new airport expansion, at least 41 new hotels and hotel apartments by end of this decade and unique tourist attractions such as the Losail Circuit, where the MotoGP was recently held, Museum of Islamic Arts, Qatar National Library, and the multi faceted North Beach development."

"The prominence of Qatar as a quality destination, for leisure, business, education, sports and the MICE market is becoming ever more apparent. With the rapid expansion of Qatar Airways both in route expansion and its place as a 5-star airline will enhance Qatar's profile and connectivity worldwide. The next few years will see Qatar evolve into a significant tourist hub in the Middle East."