BARCELONA: Qatar Airways has been voted Best Airline at the 15th Annual ACPETUR Tourism Awards ceremony held in Barcelona.
Organised by the Catalonia Tourism Journalist Association, Catalan travel writers and journalists recognised the five-star carrier for its commitment to Barcelona, highlighting the expanded operations from daily to 10 weekly flights, with superior in-flight services to an outstanding global network.
The Ali Bey award for Best Airline was presented at a gala dinner at the Porta Fira Hotel.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted the airline was being recognised in such a key market linking Barcelona with the Qatari capital Doha.
“2013 will be another big year for Qatar Airways as we continue to expand our worldwide network, welcome more aircraft into our ever-expanding fleet, and of course enter into our new partnership with the World’s Best Club FC Barcelona from the start of the 2013/14 season,” said Al Baker.
The Vice President of ACPETUR, Romn Hereter, said: “We are proud that the Association of Journalists and Travel Writers have voted Qatar Airways as the Best Airline. The judges felt that Qatar Airways’ submission was very impressive, underlining the youth and dynamism of the carrier. A great product, rapidly expanding network and plenty of innovation.”
Qatar Airways has been present in Spain for over seven years, initially launching flights to the capital Madrid, before introducing Barcelona to its network in June 2010.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel and senior officials held a high level meeting this week with Al Baker to herald the beginning of new passenger flights between Chicago O’Hare and Doha International Airport.
Al Baker met with Mayor Emanuel, Deputy Mayor Steve Koch, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation, Rosemarie Andolino, and Chicago’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, Michelle Boone, to discuss new trade, business and investment opportunities.
Al Baker said that the airline planned to bring new opportunities to the city of Chicago by investing in the community and helping boost trade, tourism and business links between Qatar and Chicago.
“Qatar Airways is honoured to be a part of these efforts and will, in turn, offer a great boost to the local economy of the city, helping to generate new jobs and create an economic impact of over $210 million in revenues for the first year alone.
Both Mayor Emanuel and Commissioner Andolino expressed their excitement about the partnership between Qatar Airways and Chicago, bringing great benefits to both Chicago travellers and the city. They were also delighted to hear Qatar Airways’ plans to bring new jobs and income to the city.
Qatar Airways offers travellers from Chicago an exciting network of destinations to fly to, including cities across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific via its Doha hub. In addition to Chicago, Qatar Airways’ US footprint includes daily non-stop flights between New York, Houston, Washington DC and Doha.
The Peninsula
