More than 75 representatives from across France’s tourism industry took part in the first of a series of familiarisation trips to the country recently, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has said. Dubbed as Connect’18, the event aims to attract more visitors from the European and Asian markets. It is the largest delegation of French tourism professionals to visit Qatar to date.
The four-day seminar, organised by promoagv.com, provided Qatari industry representatives an opportunity to meet with their French counterparts to explore what the destination offers to French visitors.
The delegation which included 26 different partners such as MSC Cruises, Look Voyages and ESCAET tourism school, also had an opportunity to discover first-hand Qatar’s unique tourism assets.
“Our hosting for Connect’s 10th anniversary edition is an endorsement of Qatar as an attractive tourist destination for the French market,” QTA’s chief marketing and promotion officer Rashed al-Qurese said. “Our hosting of familiarisation trips form an important part of our efforts to promote the country as an attractive tourism destination and spread Qatar’s message of welcoming the world,” he added.
In 2017, Qatar welcomed more than 480,000 visitors from Europe, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year; France contributed 9% of these arrivals.
QTA is working closely with partners across European markets, through its representative offices in Paris, London, Berlin and Milan to promote the destination on both the leisure and business events fronts. The Connect’ 18 itinerary included a desert excursion to the majestic sand dunes of Khor Al Udeid, watching a traditional camel race, a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, and a discovery tour of Souq Waqif.
Sponsors of Connect’ 18 included the award-winning national carrier, Qatar Airways, QTA, the Shangri-La Doha Hotel and Gulf Adventures. Previous host countries for the annual B2B tourism event include Seychelles and the Maldives.
The Peninsula Qatar
25/01/2018
