Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) met with more than 65 travel trade professionals in Kuala Lumpur to boost awareness of Qatar’s tourism offerings at its recent Asian Roadshow in the Malaysian capital.

QTA presented Qatar as a destination for MICE travel (meetings, incentive, convention, exhibition), sport, culture and upscale leisure tourism at the event at the Ritz Carlton.

“As a complement to our participation at international travel exhibitions, Qatar Tourism Authority has organized this roadshow throughout Asia to deepen our ties and to build new relationships with the tourism and travel professionals in Malaysia and the other major cities on the tour,” said Ahmed Al Nuaimi, chairman of QTA.

“Through this roadshow we aim to build networks facilitating future business in tourism between the State of Qatar and Malaysia.”

“Qatar and Asia enjoy a friendly alliance which is strengthened through strong business relationships and strategic partnerships. Many of Malaysia’s top companies are involved in the expansion and growth plans of Qatar – including Garuda Berhad, WCT Berhad, UEM, 1Malaysia Development Bhd and more.”

“These companies are involved in the construction of many of Qatar’s infrastructure projects such as the New Doha International Airport, and the Dukhan Highway,” he added.

“We are also two countries that have strong diplomatic relations, and share the same common views affecting the Muslim world.  On this roadshow, we aim to build on these business partnerships and common views, boosting tourism between Malaysia and Qatar.”

Many professionals from the travel trade in Malaysia came to learn about Qatar for the first time, and particularly interested in Qatar as a MICE destination, a statement said.

“This is a great event – I had the chance to meet with many operators and top hotels and have a good idea now about Qatar as a destination.  I will look to arrange stop-over tours for my clients transiting between Malaysia and Europe,” said Justin Lai of Parlo Tours, who has not yet been to the Middle East.

Al Nuaimi continued: “Many of our clients prefer events in China or Hong Kong – but we are looking for a new, fresh destination to introduce to them.  Qatar is a convenient option with many good facilities.”

“The facilities at the Grand Hyatt Doha are ideal for the events that we organize.   The tour operators we met have offered good ideas for itineraries for our guests to do outside of the exhibition event.  We are excited to explore a little further about holding events in Qatar,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service