Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai Qatar Tourism is all set to launch its global campaign in the India market and before the full-fledged launch the organisers had organised a event in Mumbai to provide a sneak-peek preview of the destination to a well-attended gathering. “Rich in art, culture and tradition, Qatar is a country waiting to be discovered. It is centred around the generous hospitality characteristic of the local culture and the world’s best hotel and restaurant brands have created an oasis of luxury in the heart of the Middle East,” said Deveekaa Nijhawan, Global Head of International PR & Communications, Qatar Tourism, while speaking exclusively to TravelBiz Monitor. She said that they have already launched their global campaign in their priority markets like Europe and America.
Qatar Tourism held back their campaign in the India market because of the prevailing Covid situation at that point of time. “We postponed our campaign in the India market because of rules and regulations and India was in the Red list of Qatar. But now, the situation has vastly improved and we are all set to launch our campaign in India,” pointed out Nijhawan.
Describing India as a very important market, she said that Qatar Airways flies over 19 cities in India. “Vistara is soon starting its operation to Qatar, besides this, you have IndiGo and GoAir as well. Being a short-haul destination is also an added advantage for us,” she said.
Qatar caters to every need of a tourist be it beach holiday, adventure & Sports, art & culture, city break, romantic getaway etc. “We are targeting our important market India not based on demography but on demand basis. I must say Qatar is a best kept secret in the Middle East,” said Nijhawan.
Talking about the target audience, she said that currently they are focusing on weddings and MICE. “Destination weddings have very good potential as we have world class hotels which are second to none when compared with other destinations. We are also in touch with wedding planners and hopeful about the outcome,” she said. On MICE, Nijhawan said that they are also capable of hosting large MICE groups as they have Qatar National Convention Centre. “Leisure segment is also critical for us, especially after Covid,” she said.
As far as travel trade engagement is concerned, she said that at present their focus is training and education. “Our focus now is to work with right travel trade operators, DMCs and give them training and create awareness in the India market. We really want to work with the right partners, for us it is quality rather than quantity. Qatar has everything for every kind of travellers that the message we want to send in this market,” pointed out Nijhawan.
