In Brief: Qatar Tourism has joined the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to enhance its engagement with Asia Pacific markets and strengthen international tourism collaboration efforts.
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Qatar Tourism Joins PATA to Strengthen Global Tourism Collaboration and Engagement with the Asia Pacific – Image Credit PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced that Qatar Tourism has officially joined the Association as its newest destination member, strengthening Qatar’s engagement with PATA’s global network of tourism organisations and industry stakeholders across the Asia Pacific region.
The membership was formalised at a signing ceremony at the Qatar Pavilion during WTM London 2026 on Tuesday, November 3. The agreement was signed by Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA and Omar Al Jaber, Director of Operations Affairs, Qatar Tourism. The ceremony was witnessed by Henry Oh, Chairman, PATA and H.E. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman, Qatar Tourism.
L/R: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Henry Oh, Chairman, PATA; H.E. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman, Qatar Tourism, and Omar Al Jaber, Director of Operations Affairs, Qatar Tourism.
The membership reflects Qatar Tourism’s continued commitment to strengthening international tourism cooperation, expanding connections with key source markets, and sharing knowledge and expertise with tourism stakeholders around the world.
“We are delighted to welcome Qatar Tourism to the PATA family,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “Qatar has established a strong and distinctive position on the global tourism stage, supported by its world-class infrastructure, connectivity, cultural heritage, business events capabilities, and commitment to developing a diverse and sustainable tourism economy. Its membership adds an important perspective to our network and creates opportunities for greater collaboration between Qatar and the Asia Pacific tourism community. PATA’s network provides a platform for destinations and tourism organisations to exchange knowledge, build meaningful partnerships, and explore opportunities for responsible tourism growth, and we look forward to working with Qatar Tourism to strengthen connections with our members across the region.”
Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of Operations Affairs at Qatar Tourism said “Joining the Pacific Asia Travel Association marks an important step in strengthening Qatar Tourism’s engagement with the Asia Pacific region. Through PATA’s extensive network of tourism stakeholders, we look forward to building new partnerships, exchanging industry knowledge and exploring opportunities that support our international outreach. This membership will further strengthen Qatar’s connections with key tourism markets and support our efforts to attract visitors from across the region.”
Qatar Tourism is responsible for regulating and developing Qatar’s tourism industry, setting the national strategy for the sector, encouraging private-sector investment, and expanding the country’s presence in international markets. Through its international offices, digital platforms, travel-trade programmes, and business events initiatives, Qatar Tourism works to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
The membership comes at an important time for Qatar’s tourism sector. Doha has been named the 2026 GCC Tourism Capital, recognising the city’s growing role as a regional tourism hub and highlighting Qatar’s long-term vision for tourism development. The designation also reflects Qatar’s strengths in infrastructure, international connectivity, cultural and sporting events, business events, and its commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Qatar’s growing tourism proposition encompasses cultural experiences, family entertainment, sports, leisure, business events, wellness, shopping, and heritage. Its strong international air connectivity, supported by Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, further reinforces the country’s role as a gateway between major markets.
Through its PATA membership, Qatar Tourism will have opportunities to engage with PATA’s diverse community of destinations, airlines, hospitality organisations, travel companies, tourism authorities, educational institutions, and other industry stakeholders. The membership will also support opportunities for knowledge exchange, business networking, research engagement, and participation in PATA programmes and events.
Qatar Tourism’s addition further strengthens PATA’s growing engagement with tourism stakeholders beyond the Asia Pacific region and reinforces the Association’s role as a platform connecting destinations and industry partners across global tourism markets.