Sheikh Saoud opens Qatar's pavilion at ITB Berlin

Qatar’s Ambassador to Germany, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, yesterday opened Qatar’s pavilion at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin.
A strong delegation comprising 20 of Qatar’s leading hotels, destination management companies and other tourism establishments is joining Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) at this year’s edition of ITB. In a major drive to reinforce Qatar’s growing reputation as a destination for European travellers, Qatar’s pavilion will showcase the country’s expanding tourism and hospitality options at one of Europe’s biggest travel show, which continues until 12 March 2017.
Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “Qatar-German relations are based on a strong partnership and mutual respect of our respective cultures. We have witnessed a growing interest in Qatar from various industries, particularly in the travel sector, as Qatar features unique cultural landmarks, global sporting events, and boasts exceptional hospitality and leisure assets.
This growing awareness is thanks to the efforts of representatives from the culture and tourism sectors in Qatar. I am confident that the robust representation at this year’s ITB Berlin, which comes with the advent of the Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture, will solidify ties between the German travel industry and Qatar’s tourism and hospitality establishments, contributing to even greater interest from this market in visiting our country.”
Leading international and local hotel brands exhibiting their Qatar properties include, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Centre, The St. Regis Doha, Four Seasons Hotel Doha, The Torch Doha, W Doha Hotel & Residence, Century Hotel, Intercontinental Doha and Holiday Villa Hotel.
Qatar’s growing travel and destination management industry is also represented with the participation of Arab Destination of Tourism, Arabian Adventure, Gulf Adventure, Qatar International Adventures, Regency Travel & Tours, Sand Dunes Holidays and Travel Designer. According to Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at QTA, the growing participating of the private sector in this year’s bourse is particularly significant in light of His Excellency the Prime Minister’s directive to review the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy in partnership with the private sector.
“QTA has identified German-speaking Europe as a prime growth market and we are looking forward to sharing updates with travel trade about the recent changes to Qatar’s visa policy, specifically the introduction of a new, free 96-hour transit visa. Collectively, the Qatar delegation at ITB Berlin will provide trade visitors with a comprehensive insight into Qatar as a destination for visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. The wide range of hotels and other tourism suppliers present at the pavilion provides German-speaking trade with a ‘one-stop shop’ for conducting business with the tourism sector.”