Berlin, Germany (March 15, 2010) –

 

The Qatar stand at ITB Berlin attracted a significant increased number of visitors throughout the five-day exhibition. ITB Berlin, which concluded on March 14, is the largest European travel trade show attracting thousands of visitors from the professional travel trade. The exhibition is open to the general public during the weekend.

Qatar Tourism Authority and its delegation of top luxury hotels, destination management companies and leisure organizations promoted Qatar as a unique and world-class business destination. The delegation met with many trade professionals, forming new business relationships and commercial partnerships designed to bring more travelers to Qatar.

Speaking to Qatar Tourism Authority officials, Ms. Anna Schade from a large incentive travel company in Germany said “Qatar has rapidly risen up the list of must see countries. We are all very excited about visiting Qatar and seeing the rapid development in the tourism sector.”

The Qatar stand featured traditional Qatar hospitality with a luxurious Arabic seating area where guests were welcomed with a cup of traditional Arabic coffee, savored sweet dates and where they could experience unique henna. The guests were introduced to Qatar as a new travel destination and learned about the unique activities and facilities in the country with brief presentations, brochures and maps.

Visitors from across Germany and the world visited the QTA stand where they were welcomed by traditional Qatari hospitality. Elfried Wallbruch from Berlin said “We have really enjoyed visiting the Qatar stand to learn more about Qatar. I have flown through Doha Airport on route to Asia with Qatar Airways and next time I fly in May I am going to stop for a few days in Doha.” Ms Wallbruch added “I especially want to visit the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and the Inland Sea”.

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority commented on the success of Qatar’s participation at ITB Berlin. “Germany is an important market for Qatar. We already have many partnerships in business and trade, and through our meetings at ITB Berlin we have expanded our network and built on our relationships in the tourism industry,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the German business and leisure traveler to Qatar.”

Staged annually in Berlin, the International Tourism Bourse is a five day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations, products and services from 4,000 suppliers representing over 160 countries. The event is a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business at one venue.