Qatar targets Korean business travelers

By Lee Hyo-sik

Qatar, an emerging economic powerhouse in the Middle East, is seeking to attract more Korean tourists, particularly business travelers, by promoting a range of unique tourism assets not seen elsewhere in the world.

In an interview with The Korea Times, Ahmed Abdullah M. Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority, said more Koreans should come to the Middle Eastern country to taste the exquisite cuisine, and engage in desert safaris and other fun leisure activities.

He came to Korea along with the heads of hotels and tourism agencies on Oct. 9, as part of Tourism Qatar’s Asian road show. Al Nuaimi hosted his country’s largest-ever promotional function held here Monday night, designed to publicize Qatar’s tourism industry.

“We decided to visit Korea because the two countries have established strong business ties. Korea is importing oil and gas from us. Many Korean firms are building plants and engaging in other infrastructure development projects. Korean cars, electronics goods and other products are very popular in Qatar,” Al Nuaimi said.

The Middle Eastern country wants to expand the strong business relations to the tourism sector, Qatar’s top tourism official said.

“Doha is one of the region’s top business centers. Many Korean travelers transit at Doha to Europe and other parts of the world. Instead of waiting for flights for hours at the airport, they can get a visa on-site for $30 and tour the city,” he said.

Travelers can go sightseeing in downtown, or tour the Museum of Islamic Art and old markets. “Additionally, they can go shopping and play golf. We have many good restaurants in Doha. I am sure Koreans will love our great food,” Al Nuaimi said.

The chairman then said if travelers stay overnight, they should take a desert tour and other more time-consuming activities.

“If you are a corporate traveler, check with our hotels and other hospitality businesses because they offer special packages at lower prices. We would like to attract group tourists from Korea. But for the time being, we will focus on business travelers.” He suggested Koreans come to Qatar during the October-April period for cooler and more pleasant weather.

Qatar is well-positioned to take advantage of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market, Al Nuaimi said, citing the Doha Exhibition Center and other convention-related facilities.

“Doha offers 10,000 rooms in 45 hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, providing guests with fine dining. A wide variety of foods expertly prepared, including Asian, European, Mediterranean and American cuisine. Of course, restaurants also serve exquisite traditional Middle Eastern meals,” he said.

Tourists can take advantage of Qatar’s sports infrastructures as well.

“Visitors can enjoy tennis, golf, horseracing, soccer, motor sports and much more. Particularly, off-road safaris, and sand skiing and boarding down the dunes across the desert flats have been really popular.”