QATAR Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is participating in the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) currently being held in Cannes.The prestigious three-day event will end tomorrow.

QTEA is promoting Qatar to the luxury international market, by focusing on VIP buyers from upscale leisure sector, including businessmen, travel agents and boards of tourism authorities.

Staged annually in Cannes, the International Luxury Travel Market is a business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations, products and services from some 1,500 international suppliers. QTEA said the event was a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business at one venue, in the ‘Palais des

Festivals et des Congres’. QTEA said Qatar was already known as a “hub of business innovation”, but is attracting more travellers looking for a “unique and luxury destination”. Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is educating travellers on the country’s exclusive leisure and cultural attractions, as well as the independent spirit and progressive orientation that makes Qatar unique. Qatar represents the bridge between the Arabic traditional heritage and global innovation, with a fine life style.With a total investment of $17bn over the next five years on tourism infrastructure, including luxury hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, Qatar is even more attractive for travellers from more than 80 countries. They are well connected to Qatar by Qatar Airways. Luxury travellers visiting QTEA’s promotional stand were delighted to learn more about luxury facilities Qatar is now offering. Currently there are some 15 five-star hotels in the country. Hotel capacity has been forecast to go up to 29,000 hotel rooms and apartments by 2012. The additional attractions include shopping and leisure complexes at the Pearl Qatar and all over Doha, unique desert safaris, and the cultural landmark- Museum of Islamic Arts. Buyers from all over Europe expressed their enthusiasm to come and visit Qatar.Ahmed A al-Nuaimi, Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority chairman said, “Qatar is becoming a key location between Europe and Asia. More and more travellers extend their stop-over to stay in Qatar and enjoy with their family the safe and luxury destination, with upscale facilities such as our 5-star hotels, shopping malls with major international brands, and the Museum of Islamic Arts, a cultural landmark.”Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is accompanied by a high level delegation, including key personnel from Al Sharq Village and Spa and major travel companies, such as Fal Travelmart, Travel and Tours, and Destinations of the World Qatar.