Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), which supervises Qatar’s tourism development industry, is highlighting the country’s competitive edge at a leading maritime industries event in Germany.

The Seatrade Europe conference and exhibition, which opened yesterday (September 15) in Hamburg, Germany will close on September 17.

Soha Al Fadl Moussa, head of promotions and organizing abroad exhibitions and Mr. Mohammed Al Ansari, head of licensing and classification tourism activities of QTA discussed Qatar’s cultural attractions, ever-expanding developments and its competitive edge in the tourism market on the “Itineraries and Destinations” panel at the event.

“In Qatar, tourism is not just about entertainment. It is about offering visitors an insight and experience into the heritage that has made Qatar what it is today,” said Al Fadl Moussa.

Qatar is currently investing $17 billion into its tourism infrastructure including the construction of luxury hotels and resorts, two new centres for conferences and exhibitions as well as the New Doha International Airport.

The conference, which focuses on the cruise, ferry, rivercruise and superyacht industries, offered an opportunity for QTA to educate an international audience on Qatar’s growing popularity for cruise ship passengers.

With easier visa procedures for visitors by sea, Doha has quickly become is an ideal arrival destination on any cruising itinerary.

The sea has always been a significant part of Qatari culture, shaping the nation’s identity and providing a scenic environment for residents and visitors.

“The government of Qatar has spared no efforts to upgrade and expand seaports and related infrastructure to make their services more efficient,” Ansari explained.

With the first phase of the New Doha Port expected to open in 2014, Doha will continue to expand upon its heritage as an easily accessible coastal city while remaining a sought-after destination for cruise ship passengers, said a statement. – TradeArabia News Service