Qatar looks to attract more Italian tourists

Qatar is looking to attract more Italian tourists with the opening of a new tourism office in Milan.

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has opened a new office in Milan in order to attract more visitors and engage with more tour operators in a country that has been one of the Gulf state’s fastest growing visitor source markets.

“The number of Italian arrivals increased by a remarkable 16% to more than 34,000 in 2015, and we are confident that this market has great potential for growth,” said Rashed Al Qurese, chief marketing and promotions officer at QTA told The Peninsula.

Al Qurese said Qatar has increased its reputation as a tourist destination in recent years, with international visitors growing by 91% since 2009. With an annual growth rate of 13.9%, he said Qatar is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world.

The new Milan office will promote Qatar through initiatives like workshops, sales visits, travel agents destination training, as well as grow partnerships with tour operators and engage in media campaigns.

“Our focus will be on projecting the message that Qatar combines top quality accommodation and superb leisure facilities in a clean and safe environment, together with an authentic taste of traditional Qatar hospitality and a range of cultural experiences unmatched in the region,” Al Qurese said.

Qatar also has offices in the UK, France, Germany, the GCC and South East Asia.