Qatar Airways prepares for Fourth Global Travel and Tourism Summit

Preparations are in full swing for the Fourth Global Travel and Tourism Summit taking place in Doha on May 1-3, 2004, which is expected to attract at least 700 CEOs, presidents and directors from the world's top travel and tourism companies.

A senior delegation from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), led by its President Jean-Claude Baumgarten, was recently in Doha to review preparations for the Summit, which is being hosted by Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker said : "We are delighted that the World Travel and Tourism Council chose Qatar as the venue for the 2004 summit, and Qatar Airways as the official host of the event.

"This summit is the travel and tourism industry's event of the year and demands a lot of attention. Visitors from all over the world will come to Qatar to be part of this summit.

"Since announcing the event at the World Travel Market in London in November 2003, we have had an excellent response from chairmen and chief executive officers of the world's top travel and tourism companies, as well as leading travel and business journalists and government officials from countries all around the world.

"With the event's theme being Driving Change, speakers will touch on subjects such as tourism's contribution to economic development.

"The conference will open up avenues of communication between the various representatives of the industry and will offer great opportunities for networking.

"Working together with the World Travel and Tourism Council, who represents 100 of the world's foremost tourism and travel companies, including major airlines, hotel chains and tour operators, is very rewarding.

"Bringing this event to Doha is a great vote of confidence for Qatar and the whole Middle East region", Mr. Al Baker concluded.