Stepping up efforts to promote the country’s tourism offering, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) gathered representatives of its global offices with members of the local tourism industry at the recent Tourism Marketing Framework Summit where they discussed ways to expand the presence of Qatar’s destination brand globally, and increase the impact of international promotion campaigns, especially as the industry began implementing the Next Chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy.
The Next Chapter, launched at the World Tourism Day official celebration in Qatar last month, details a plan to generate global interest in the country and an expansion of Qatar’s network of tourism promotion offices. It also calls for close collaboration between QTA, Qatar Airways, and destination management companies in the country, to package products and events that deliver a complete ‘Qatar experience’ for prospective visitors.
Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer Rashed Al Qurese said their effort to achieve the Next Chapter targets are already underway, building on their achievements since 2014.
Thanks to the foundations we have laid over the past few years, from opening nine offices across the world to launching 260 global campaigns, we are in an ideal position to accelerate that growth, and to increase the number of markets covered by our promotional efforts.’
Last month, QTA set up representative offices in Beijing, and supporting locations in Shanghai and Guangzhou. The opening came as Qatar was officially awarded Approved Destination Status (ADS), allowing it to receive tourists from China and to promote Qatar as a tourism destination within China.
We are building a solid platform in Asia from which we can promote Qatar as a welcoming, authentic and easily accessible destination. Before the end of the year, we also aim to establish presence in India and Russia, both among the world’s most prolific travellers.’
India, Russia and China are among 80 countries whose nationals have been granted a visa waiver by Qatar. This allows them to enter the country visa free, provided they have a passport valid for at least six months, and a return or onward booking.
Marketing Qatar internationally entails close collaboration between public and private sector partners, including hotels, tourism establishments and the national airline – Qatar Airways. The quarterly summits allow QTA’s international teams to interact with their counterparts in Qatar, while staying up to date with the latest developments.
The summit also discussed Qatar’s representation in the upcoming global tourism trade shows, the World Travel Market in London and IBTM World in Barcelona.
For more information, visit the QTA website at visitqatar.qa.