Qatar has launched an ambitious campaign to make the country a major new tourist destination in the Gulf.
Its newly formed Qatar General Tourism Authority (QGTA) says it wants to develop Qatar as a premier family tourism destination in the region. The QGTA aims to promote a full calendar of events throughout the year as part of its efforts to raise Qatar's "brand" awareness among local and international visitors, general manager David Tewelde said. Tewelde said a new summer festival is also planned for between June and August as part of the efforts to boost inbound tourism. Other ambitious plans include attractions such as a computer village, World Cup City during the forthcoming soccer World Cup, a snow house, a fun city for children, exhibitions, wedding bazaar and four-wheel drive nights.