DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is focusing more on promoting Qatar's leisure, business, education, and sports sector tourism, the authority's chairman said.
The strategy of QTA is to bring Qatar to the world and the world to Qatar. QTA markets and promotes Qatar as a safe and welcoming destination in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, he said. Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority have a five-year plan underway to boost the nation's leisure tourism market.
Ahmed Al Nuaimi said the country's tourism market was currently made up of 95 percent business travellers. But he is aiming to attract more leisure travellers, at least to the tune of 30 percent of the total. The plan to attract a 30 percent share of leisure travellers included developing new tourist attractions and revamping the country's museum, souqs, sporting facilities and shopping malls.
"We have a strong focus on conferences, conventions and exhibitions, which has given us a good reputation in the market," said Al Nuaimi. "However, we are also encouraging education travel and sports travel, as well as regular business and leisure tourism.
"Also, if guests are here for work, they can spend the day doing business and they still have time at night for leisure activities - we are encouraging them to stay for one extra day in Doha after their business meetings." The authority has developed a "48 hours in Qatar" campaign, which includes suggested activities such as golfing, shopping, spa treatments, beach resorts and attractions such as the Al Shahaniya race track, Museum of Islamic Art and traditional souks.
Al Nuaimi said competition among Qatari hotels was increasing, with a projected 26,000 rooms by 2012.
By Victor Ikoli
© The Peninsula 2009
