Since Business Travel Market began in 2009, Qatar Airways has been proud to be Platinum Sponsors of the event, and the airline will once again make its presence felt when sponsoring a VIP Hosted Buyers Lounge and the event’s Media Lounge on June 22 and 23.

In the year that saw the airline launch its 100th destination as part of a global expansion programme, Qatar Airways’ Platinum Sponsorship of BTM this year signifies the importance of the European business traveller to its plans, with hundreds of fully hosted VIP Buyers and 3,000 attendees expected to attend the two-day event at London’s ExCeL.

Qatar Airways has focused on adding capacity to key business and leisure travel routes on its European network, including five new destinations on the continent that bring the total number of European destinations to 25.  Airline representatives from Qatar Airways’ key European markets will be available throughout the event to talk to buyers on a 1-2-1 basis about the airline’s growing network of destinations and award-winning Five-Star offering.

Qatar Airways has also invited VIP Hosted Buyers to enjoy a taste of the airline’s award-winning service in the VIP Hosted Buyer Lounge located on stand 440 during the event. A sommelier will share his expertise with buyers, who will be able to sample some of the premium class beverages available to First and Business Class travellers from a wine list that was recognised at the prestigious Business Traveller’s 2011 Cellars in the Sky awards earlier this year.

In addition, those media attending the event will be invited to enjoy a taste of Qatar Airways on Wednesday 23 June.  A dedicated wine-tasting experience, which is set to take place from 3.30pm at the BTM-sponsored media lounge, is open to all registered media.

Qatar Airways Vice-President Europe Paul Johannes said: “As we continue along our path to become the best airline in the world, Qatar Airways is committed to offering the very highest levels of service to all its customers, nowhere more so than the business travel sector.  I’m delighted that buyers and the media will have the opportunity to meet the European team at BTM – while also getting the opportunity to experience a taste of our award-winning First-Class product.”

Business Travel Market Founder and Event Director Paul Robin says: “Qatar Airways has been involved and fully supported BTM since its inception three years ago. We are delighted to work with such a rapidly expanding airline and value their contribution in helping to ensure BTM delivers a high quality event. The theme of this year’s Business Travel Market is optimising Business Performance, and we’re thrilled that Qatar Airways are tying into this by showcasing their onboard offering as an example of what’s really important to business travellers.”