Dubai (May 4, 2010) - Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) takes part in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the travel and tourism event in the Middle East which connects industry professionals with stakeholders and consumers, promoting Qatar as a top tourism destination in the Middle East.  QTA and its delegation willshowcase a diverse range of accommodation options, exciting tourism attractions andnew tourism projects in development. The exhibition opened today in Dubai and runs through May 7. 

 “Qatar is now recognized as a new, emerging destination for business and leisure tourism in the Middle East,” said Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority. “We continue to build up our tourism infrastructure to meet our growth plans, with a focus on sustainability. Participating in the Arabian Travel Market not only showcases the Middle East region as a tourism destination to the international travel industry, but gives Qatar the opportunity to update the industry on what makes us unique -  the capabilities we have and the attractions on offer as well as the excting developments taking place in the sector in our country.”

Already known as a premier destination for doing business, Qatar has made significant investments domestically and internationally to encourage cultural, sport, educational and leisure tourism in the country. The government of Qatar has set aside US$17 billion to develop Qatar’s tourism infrastructure over a 5 year period, including the construction of new hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities. Nearly 2000 luxury hotel rooms came on the market in 2009. An additional 8000 rooms are scheduled to be added by the end of 2010. 

Qatar has invested heavily in sports infrastructure over the last several years, and plays hosting venue for many top international prestigious sporting championships in tennis, golf and athletics. Qatar will host the 2011 Asian Cup, and is vying to host the 2022 World Cup – placing football as another top international sport for the country.

Culturally, Qatar has enriched the calendar with events as well as new attractions. The Museum of Islamic Art, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, the Cultural Village have all put Qatar’s capital city of Doha firmly on the culture scene in the Middle East. 

QTA is accompanied by a distinguished delegation from the hospitality, culture, sports and leisure sectors in Qatar, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Qatar Marine Festival Committee, Museum of Islamic Art, Cultural Village, Asian Football Cup 2011. Also exhibiting with Qatar Tourism Authority are major hotels and top destination management companies including Movenpick Tower and Suites Hotel, Sheraton Doha resort and convention hotel, Mellinnium Hotel Doha, Ramada Plaza Doha, Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence City Center, Doha Marriott Hotel, Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, La Cigale Hotel, the Sharq Village & Spa, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Arabian Adventures, FAL Travelmart Travel & Tours WLL, Regency Travel & Tours, and Destination of the World.