GULF TIMES: GULF TIMES

Doha has won the award for the “World’s Leading Emerging Business Destination” at the 16th Annual World Travel Awards gala ceremony held in London.

The award ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House in London on the eve of the opening day for World Travel Market (WTM), one of the largest global business-to-business events for the travel and tourism industries, a spokesperson for Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said yesterday.

Other nominees in the category included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Astana, Kazakhstan; Kiev, Ukraine; Santiago, Chile; Sao Paolo, Brazil and Zagreb, Croatia.

QTA chairman Ahmed al-Nuaimi said: “We are delighted to have been nominated and are honoured to be recognised as the world’s leading emerging business destination. “Winning this award recognises Doha’s commitment to shape Qatar as a world-class destination offering high-quality services, combining business with upscale leisure.” The “World’s Leading Emerging Business Destination” award is given on the basis of outstanding development, marketing, promotion, positioning and planning. The winner is determined based on votes by travel agents worldwide. The World Travel Awards aim to encourage world-class competition, stimulate innovation and creativity as well as ensure that travellers receive exceptional value and service.

“To be presented with a World Travel Award is a considerable achievement considering the competitive landscape, and helps to reassure travellers of the quality of service they will experience,” the official said. The annual awards ceremony is held during the WTM, a four-day event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and international travel professionals.