Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 24:

Preparations are underway in Qatar for the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Fourth Global Travel and Tourism Summit, one of the most important tourism industry events of the year, which will be held in Doha from May 1-3. According to Qatar Airways, workers are now erecting up to 400 street banners along Doha’s picturesque waterfront Corniche to form a welcome boulevard for 500 people from travel industry, 30 ministers from across the world and an international press corp of 150 journalists. Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar, is hosting the summit.

“We are expecting to host some of the most influential people in the tourism industry, along with ministers from more than 30 countries and a very large international media contingent,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive officer. “Global tourism industry is looking to sustain future growth, particularly given the events of recent years, and will be looking to get a level of consensus on a roadmap for the future,” he said. The issues that will be placed under the microscope at the summit include world health issues, industry investment trends and forecasts, media influence, changing behaviours of consumers, new styles of business management and specific initiatives in India and China, the Qatar Airways statement says.

“The world’s eyes will be on Doha to see what future directions the world travel industry takes. Qatar will be using this opportunity to promote its tourism treasures,” Al Baker added.

“The fact that the Word Travel and Tourism Council selected Doha as the host country of the Fourth Global Summit reflects the high quality conferencing, business and leisure facilities that Qatar offers. I would expect other companies to take the same opportunity to use the summit to network with the industry captains,” said Al Baker.Companies like TUI, American Express, Thomas Cook, Starwood Hotels, the Oberoi Group, Abercrombie and Kent, Lusotor, Accor, Universal Media and American Airlines are taking part in the summit.