DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) yesterday announced opening of representative offices in Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, a step aimed to increase tourism promotion activities in the GCC market. The offices will cater to needs of customers, tour operators, travel agencies and event organisers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
“The GCC is our most important market. Accounting for some 40 percent of all arrivals, it is a large source of visitors to Qatar, while Saudi Arabia alone contributes more than half of the annual inbound GCC tourist total,” said Rashed Al Qurese, Executive Director of Marketing & Promotions, QTA. “It is therefore vital that we maintain a high profile and build up our promotional and marketing activities in these key markets,” he said.
Opening of new offices is expected to greatly enhance Qatar’s on-the-ground presence in the Kingdom and marketing activities will stretch to other GCC countries with the objective of introducing and develop Qatar as an exciting and convenient neighbouring destination for both business and leisure travel.
“Our focus will be on conveying a strong message that Qatar offers the ideal mix of top quality accommodation, cultural attractions, family entertainment, shopping, dining and other leisure activities to appeal to this regional market,” said Al Qurese. “The offices in Riyadh and Jeddah will engage in pro-active marketing to tour operators, travel agencies and event organisers,” he added.
These offices will complement the QTA’s ongoing initiatives in the market and provide follow-up, said QTA.
“Promoting increased awareness of Qatar’s attractions through the media and on-line training programmes will be a major priority and we hope to capitalise on growing regional interest generated by cultural and sporting events in Doha, especially the 2015 World Championship Handball in January and the forthcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the many regular annual events and festivities,” added Al Qurese.
The Peninsula
