Qatar --- "Best Kept Secret of the Gulf" Inaugural Appearance in ITE HK 2000

Press Release

Qatar, a peninsular situated between Europe and the Far East, is paying increasing attention on tourism development. With an average annual growth rate of tourist arrivals at 10% for the past five years, Qatar has strong tourism growth potential over the next 25 years. The 14th International Travel Expo (ITE HK 2000) is going to introduce the state of Qatar to many international buyers and leisure travelers on June 8 - 11, 2000 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Gulf Council Countries (GCC) in general have similar tourist products to market but Qatar’s uniqueness can be witnessed by breath taking sand dunes merged with the sea & preservation of the heritage show in falconry & camel races among other traditions. In fact, the State of Qatar is an ideal destination for those seeking pristine, peaceful beaches that stretch for miles, warm winters, and expanses of desert.

To qualify as a tourist destination, Qatar has stopovers with all major airlines for tourists & business visitors. There are also five star hotels, seaside resorts and first class amenities cater to varying needs and palates. Outdoor activities like sailing, windsurfing, banana boat rides, boat trips, dhow trips, fishing and diving, horse and pony rides, water-skiing are the definite attractions. Whilst, gastronomic fare is both exquisitely traditional and delightfully international and those with an appetite for shopping will find themselves in a veritable shopper’s paradise where east truly meets west in Qatar.

Family entertainment parks are being built on the Corniche (seaside area). New shopping malls, expansion of existing amusement parks, new 4/5 star hotels & resorts and relaxation on entry visas are all plans to improve quality tourism in the country. Qatar National Hotels Company is the official governmental company for inbound tourism working closely with the Surpreme committee for Tourism.

Other than Qatar, there will be many new destinations and participants in ITE HK 2000, which is a showcase of worldwide travel products and gathering of international buyers and sellers. The first two days of ITE HK are for trade visitors while the last two days are open for the public. For further information of the show, please contact Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., the Organizer, at tel : (852) 2811 8897, fax : (852) 2516 5024, email : itehk@adsaleexh.com. or visit the show web site at www.itehk.com .