Mr. Jan Poul de Boer, Acting Director General, of Qatar Tourism Authority analyzes in TravelDailyNews Qatar’s potential as a future tourism hub for the Middle East.

TravelDailyNews: What are your plans to boost tourism in Qatar?

Jan Poul de Boer: Well, to start with there is a need to build more hotel rooms as at the moment there is a shortage of hotel rooms although several new hotels are being built right now and will start to open from 2007. By 2009 Qatar expects to increase the current 3,000 room inventory to over 10,000 room capacity. Overall the Master Tourism Plan unveiled in May 2004 proposed an investment of US$ 15 billions, which includes the new Museum of Islamic Arts (due to open in Nov. 2006), the expansion of the National Museum, the Cultural Village, the new Doha International Airport (phase one scheduled for 2009) to name some of the elements. In addition Qatar has hosted the West Asian Games last December and is getting ready to host the Asian Games in December this year. Most of the sport facilities are already in place and operational, including the magnificent Dome unveiled in November 2005.

TDN: From which country do you have the highest tourist flow and why?

J. P: At this moment approximately 35% of our visitors come from the Middle East, 20% from Europe, 11% from Asian Pacific, 10% from The Americas.

TDN: What kind of motivations does your government offer to attract international investments in the tourism sector?

J. P: First of all Qatar is a safe and stable country and the Qatar economy is experiencing double digit growth. There are no quantitative quotas on imports, no income tax on salaries, no exchange control regulations, a favourable Foreign Investment policy and Standard & Poor credit ratings at A+. In addition it offers an easy access to world markets and it will be the “Gas to Liquid Gas” capital of the world by 2009, ensuring vast economic development and wealth.

TDN: Can you describe the reasons for targeting more and more to the tourism & travel industry?

J. P: As mentioned Qatar is very rich in natural resources, especially gas. However Qatar recognizes the need to build a sustainable economy and has been diversifying its business in various sectors, one of them being tourism. However tourism will never be the driving force of the Qatar’s economy and it current contribution of 6 to 8% will increase to maybe 10 to 12% at the most.

TDN: Many destinations in Middle East are trying to offer ultimate luxury. Are we going to see a repeat of the Dubai concept in Qatar?

J. P: Qatar is not trying to replicate Dubai and does not wish to become a mass market type of destination. Qatar aims to be a high quality destination for business, leisure, sport and education.

TDN: Many conferences and forums from the Asia region are taking place in Qatar. Are there any plans for a future cooperation with countries from this region and in which fields?

J. P: Actually many high level conferences are taking place in Qatar from around the world, especially Government driven. Qatar is naturally establishing links and opening cooperation opportunities with several countries.

TDN: What is the percentage of business – leisure traveller in Qatar?

J. P: Qatar welcomed approx. 650,000 visitors in 2005 and the majority of them came on business. The tourism infrastructure is still being developed as mentioned above and from next year more visitors will come to Qatar on leisure, maybe using Doha as a hub combining Qatar with another destination or maybe attending one of the many sport events.