Qatar Tourism has joined the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as a destination member, signing at WTM London on November 3, the association said.
Membership gives the Gulf state a seat in a Bangkok-based network of tourism boards and travel companies built around Asia Pacific source markets. It follows Azerbaijan’s agreement with PATA in late October, another destination outside the region chasing Asia Pacific travellers.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and Omar Al Jaber, Director of Operations Affairs at Qatar Tourism, signed the agreement at the Qatar Pavilion. PATA Chairman Henry Oh and Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji witnessed the ceremony.
“We are delighted to welcome Qatar Tourism to the PATA family,” Hamid said. “Its membership adds an important perspective to our network and creates opportunities for greater collaboration between Qatar and the Asia Pacific tourism community.”
“Joining the Pacific Asia Travel Association marks an important step in strengthening Qatar Tourism’s engagement with the Asia Pacific region,” Al Jaber said. “This membership will further strengthen Qatar’s connections with key tourism markets and support our efforts to attract visitors from across the region.”
The membership gives Qatar Tourism access to PATA research, programmes and events, as well as business networking with its members.
Qatar Tourism regulates the sector and sets national tourism strategy. Doha holds the 2026 GCC Tourism Capital title, and the country’s air links run through Qatar Airways’ global network.
The city’s hotel supply is also growing. IHG announced the opening of Kimpton Al Rowda Doha, the brand’s first hotel in Qatar, on November 2.
PATA, a not-for-profit membership association, was founded in 1951.
