Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group of Qatar is expecting to close 2011 with a 20 per cent increase in profit compared to 2010, and has upgraded its fleet to 2012 models, increasing the fleet size by 25 per cent.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment is set to rise by 7.2 per cent per annum to reach QR10.4 billion ($2.85 billion) in 2021.

“Travel agents, tour operators and airlines need to prepare for this tourism boom in Qatar,” said Ibrahim Al-Muftah, managing director, Dollar Rent a Car & Thrifty Car Rental Qatar.

“We are already seeing major airlines increasing flights to Qatar. The construction industry is also benefiting from the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ultimately, the travel industry will need to upgrade their offerings to stay in competition, as more and more travel companies enter the market.”

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group is currently present in three locations in Qatar, including the capital city of Doha, Ras Laffan Industrial City and the Doha International Airport, and a new branch in downtown Doha is under way.

According to Al-Muftah, the group’s main business comes from business travelers seeking to invest in Qatar, global corporations seeking to increase its presence in the Qatar, and work force migrating from the GCC to Qatar.

“Even with the political turmoil in the Middle East, business in the state has increased exponentially over the past year,” added Al-Muftah.

“Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group has been present in Qatar since 1993, and are accustomed to the traditions of the country which makes us the preferred car rental company,” said Sam Eltibi, executive director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Mena & Asia Pacific.

“We are looking forward to healthy competition, and dominating the car rental market in Qatar,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service