London (7 November 2010)- Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will participate in the annual World Travel Market (WTM), held in London this week, from November 8 to 11 at ExCeL London. QTA will be promoting Qatar as a premier travel destination at the exhibition with leading members from the tourism and hospitality sectors in Qatar.

Participation at World Travel Market is a mainstay in the international exhibition portfolio for Qatar Tourism Authority. “For Qatar, the World Travel Market continues to be one of the best platforms to develop relationships with the UK and international travel trade,” said Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority. “Our participation is a complement to many different campaigns we undertake in the UK market – not only was WTM London the venue for the launch of our new strategy two years ago, the UK has been our target for many promotional campaigns ranging from roadshows to taxi-toppers to television commercials. The results of these efforts are bearing fruit as we have seen an increase in visitors from the UK over the last two years.” The city of London was a stop on QTA’s European Roadshow held earlier in 2010, during which QTA and its delegation from the Qatar tourism sector held a successful networking event targeting professionals from the travel trade in the UK.

There are an estimated 40,000 British tourists that visit Qatar annually. “Qatar is an ideal destination for British tourists,” continued Mr.Al Nuaimi. “As our two countries are very strong partners in business and trade, visitors from the UK feel very at home in Qatar. There are more and more tourism attractions in Qatar ranging from museums and cultural activities to sports, from luxury hotels and spas to fine dining that are of interest to visitors from the UK. With frequent daily and direct flights offered by both of our national carriers – a long weekend visit becomes more appealing and easy to do.”

Qatar Tourism Authority will promote Qatar to the UK and European markets, by focusing on buyers from the incentive, luxury travel and leisure sectors, among them associations, conferences organizers, incentive planners and large-group travel organizers.

Staged annually in London, World Travel Market (WTM) is a four-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and international travel professionals. The event is a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business at one venue.

Qatar Tourism Authority will be exhibiting at stand ME340, accompanied by companies in the hospitality and tourism industry representing the examples of high quality standards Qatar has achieved to become an upscale destination including the Diplomatic Club, Qatar National Hotels Company, Qatar Marine Festival, several premier hotels and some of the country’s top tourism organizers.