Qatar Airways has celebrated its first
appearance at the International Travel Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh
City, with a successful participation as one of the event’s key
sponsors.
The travel trade and consumer show, considered one of the highlights of
the travel calendar in the region, has grown in significance with Laos,
Cambodia and host country Vietnam among the many nations that took part.

Record numbers of visitors attended the three-day event, which ended on
Sunday at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s
commercial capital. The event attracted more than 120 international
buyers from 22 countries.

Qatar Airways launched direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City in March from
its hub in Doha, State of Qatar, becoming the first carrier in the
Middle East to serve the country of Vietnam.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the expanded
format at this year’s ITE travel show highlighted its growing importance
as a platform to promote outbound tourism from the region.

‘Qatar Airways is delighted to be supporting travel to and from this
part of the world with our four weekly non-stop flights which are part
of our ever-growing international network,’ said Al Baker.

‘The brand new international terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport is an
outstanding example of Ho Chi Minh City’s status as a major travel
destination, as well as being a point of origin for increasing numbers
of passenger traffic.’

Tourism ministers from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam officially opened the
exhibition following high-level meetings between the participating
tourism authorities. Delegations from each of the three ‘Jewels of the
Mekong’ combined their efforts to create the largest event in ITE’s
history.

Qatar Airways, one of the show’s sponsors, exhibited a state-of-the-art
stand at the event, which featured Business Class seats complete with
cabin crew assistance to help create an onboard experience for visitors.

There were also flat-screen televisions displaying the airline’s latest
corporate video, together with refreshments for visitors, destination
brochures and in-flight magazines.

Qatar Airways Senior Manager Commercial Operations Far East and
Australasia Marwan Koleilat was presented with a Certificate of
Appreciation from the event organisers for the airline’s participation
at ITE.

‘We enjoyed highlighting our award-winning Five Star service at this
important event and look forward to facilitating the growing number of
people looking to travel from this region throughout Qatar Airways’
expanding network,’ said Koleilat.

The increase in passenger numbers is expected to allow more premium
class travellers flying Qatar Airways with access to its exclusive
Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for
departing First and Business Class passengers.

The Premium Terminal features facilities such as a spa, jacuzzi, duty
free, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in just nine
months, the terminal is the world’s first commercial passenger building
dedicated to First and Business Class passengers.
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