London: Qatar Authority for Tourism (QTA) launches brand Qatar here Monday as a top destination for tourism along with the opening of its pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTA) expo starting from today up to November 5.
WTA is global tourism industry's largest exhibition that assembles tourism authority chiefs, decision-makers, representatives from hospitality and allied sectors.
Speaking at a press conference here, QTA Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi said, "Launching Brand Qatar as a premier tourist destination starts a new phase in our journey towards achieving goals in consonance with Qatar's National Vision 2030 for its tourism sector."
Qatar is fast emerging as a global hub for business, high-end conferences, meetings, cultural events and tourism, and the launch of Brand Qatar will further promote these, he said.
A special logo designed to promote Brand Qatar encompasses images and video clips and unique elements that promotes Qatar as top destination. Calligrapher Ali Hassan has designed the logo which expresses his love for Qatar's history and traditions.
QTA's Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer Rashid Al Qurese said, "A lot of research has been done to develop Brand Qatar as a top tourist destination. It is the result of a comprehensive process and study that covered the entire country and includes various communities of citizens, residents, youth, artists and partners."
"The introduction of our new brand promises to be a major milestone in our on-going quest to establish Qatar among the world's top premium destinations. It will provide a strong, memorable and consistent visual identity that underscores and exemplifies that aspiration," Al Qurese said.
Brand Qatar features the full spectrum of promotional assets from the design of QTA's exhibition stand to photography, video, bespoke typography, digital platforms and marketing collateral.
Besides QTA itself, the Qatar presence on stand ME100 at WTM will comprise a strong delegation of leading hotels, DMCs and other industry suppliers.
"Alongside our exhibiting partners, we will showcase Qatar's attractions and offerings, with special emphasis on the country’s rich cultural heritage. Our stand will provide a comprehensive 'one-stop shop' for the international travel trade," said Al Qurese.
The QTA's increased marketing in the UK has successfully raised awareness of the destination among both tour operators and consumers, he said.
"The number of British tour operators featuring Qatar has increased from 17 in 2012 to 45 in the current year and this has greatly increased exposure among consumers planning their vacations," he said.
QTA is also working to boost relations with UK travel agents. A key initiative in this effort is the 'Tawash' online destination training programme for agents and other tourism industry professionals.
Since its launch a year ago, more than 500 British agents have signed up for the course, with 70% already graduating as qualified Qatar experts.
Visitors to WTM will be able to register for the 'Tawash' programme on QTA’s stand, he added.
QNA
