QTA’s al-Qurese (left) receiving the “Best Arab Government Tourism Authority” award in 2015 from Omani Minister of Tourism al-Mahrizi at a ceremony in Muscat.

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) was awarded the “Best Arab Government Tourism Authority” in 2015 for contributing to the development of the Arab tourism landscape.
Omani Minister of Tourism HE Ahmed bin Nasser al-Mahrizi handed the award to QTA chief marketing and promotions officer Rashed al-Qurese on behalf of QTA chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi at an awards ceremony held in Muscat.
Granted by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media, the awards ceremony was under the patronage of the Omani ministers of tourism and media.
“I am proud to witness everything that has been achieved in our beloved country’s tourism sector,” al-Mohannadi said in a statement. “This award is a reflection of the relentless efforts exerted by QTA and its partners to build and develop the tourism sector in Qatar.”
The QTA chairman thanked HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, as well as Qatar’s “hospitable people for their ongoing support in helping build our nation’s tourism industry and transforming the country into a global hub that is proud of its deep cultural roots.”
Al-Mohannadi added that Qatar is on track to achieving the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy’s goal of 7mn tourists by 2030, citing indications that the country is on path to meeting a milestone of 3mn visitors by the end of 2015.
“We are honoured to receive this award from the Arab Centre for Tourism Media whose mission is in line with our tourism strategy,” he said.
The QTA senior official added that they are devoting more efforts towards building on the success of initiatives that promote intra-Arab tourism and shed light on Arabian treasures.
He said these initiatives include the Cruise Arabia Alliance and the Annual GCC Handicrafts Exhibition, the first edition of which Qatar is proud to host this October.
QTA’s Mid-Year Tourism Performance Report for 2015 shows an expanding tourist accommodation sector and a 7% increase in the number of foreign visitors received in the first half of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.
Data on hotel performance shows continued demand growth in the sector and in overall occupancy rates, which have advanced from previous highs in 2014, even with the addition of 1,400 new rooms since the start of 2015.  
The seventh edition of the Arab Tourism Media Awards also recognised 20 tourism boards and organisations following nominations from a selection committee that includes academics, experts on tourism and journalists.
The Arab Centre for Tourism Media was established in Cairo in 2007 by a group of Arab media leaders aimed at encouraging intra-Arab tourism and promoting Arab tourist attractions.