Qatar Tourism Authority has signalled its intentions of targeting German-speaking Europe as a prime growth market by appointing tourism marketing and PR specialists, Lieb Management, as its new representatives to cover Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

QTA director of marketing and promotions, Rashed AlQurese, said: “These are sophisticated markets with discerning travellers actively seeking new and different vacation experiences.

“We are already seeing a very encouraging growth in interest from the German language zone and are confident that Qatar has what it takes to meet and exceed the expectations of visitors from this part of the world.”

QTA’s naming of Lieb Management is the third such appointment in Europe, following the setting up of similar representation arrangements with agencies in the UK and France.

The company has excellent connections in its markets and has a track record of success in promoting destinations from around the world to the travel trade and consumers in Germany and surrounding countries.

The move is expected to greatly enhance Qatar’s on-the-ground presence and to introduce and develop Qatar as a quality destination through pro-active marketing to tour operators, travel agencies, MICE and event organisers and the media throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

AlQurese noted that the Qatar’s range of top class hotels and superb leisure and recreation facilities are a match for any top international resort destination in terms of quality and service standards.

“At the same time, we offer visitors a winning combination of year-round sunshine and good value, plus an authentic taste of traditional Qatari hospitality and a range of cultural experiences unmatched in the region,” he added.

AlQurese emphasised that the appointment of German-based representatives will complement the QTA’s ongoing initiatives in the market and provide the necessary day-to-day follow-up to translate awareness-building contacts into concrete business results.

Such initiatives have included activities such as participation in the ITB and IMEX trade shows, strong trade partnerships, supported by trade and consumer media relations designed to promote awareness of Qatar’s attractions to both the travel trade and consumer market.

Lieb Management will build on the success of this groundwork through direct liaison with leading German, Austrian & Swiss tour operators, destination training for travel agents and other such targeted activities.