Qatar Airways emphasizes strong ties and economic collaboration with capital of Sichuan province

Doha, November 26, 2014 (STAT):- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, and Qatar Airways Board Member and Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, Issa Al Mohannadi, met with a delegation from the ‘Chengdu Culture and Tourism Development Group’ and signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

A gift exchange of traditional cultural memorabilia also took place, commemorating the occasion.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker (left), and Qatar Airways Board Member and Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, His Excellency Engineer Issa Al Mohannadi (centre), sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ms. Yang Chai (right), Vice-General Manager of the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Development Group.

A gift exchange of traditional cultural memorabilia also took place, commemorating the occasion. Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Chengdu offers strong cultural and economic opportunities to passengers on our network and I am delighted to have had the opportunity this year to meet with the Mayor of Chengdhu, Ge Honglin, and Yang Chai, Vice-General Manager of the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Development Group.”

Designed to strengthen ties between Qatar Airways and the tourism authorities in Chengdu, one of Qatar Airways seven gateways across China – including Hong Kong – the Memorandum of Understanding will integrate the resources of both representative parties to promote and strengthen the benefits of the connectivity that the route provides, together with the tourism and cultural highlights of Chengdu, to passengers flying on the Qatar Airways network.

The meeting in Doha follows a successful trip to China in April this year where His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker met with the Mayor of Chengdu, Ge Honglin, further building the strong ties that exist between the airline and China.

The airline, which has provided its signature five-star service to the Chinese market for over 10 years, commenced its first flight to Shanghai in 2003, and now has the largest route network across China of any Middle-Eastern carrier, serving the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Hong Kong.

“Qatar Airways has progressively developed our operations in China for over 10 years, connecting passengers through a variety of gateways to our new global hub and home, Hamad International Airport.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Development Group strengthens our connectivity and ties with China, and in particular highlights not only our own recent route launch to Chengdu in 2013, but Chengdu itself as a tourist destination,” remarked Mr. Al Baker.

Chengdu is historically home to the ‘Large Pandas’ and the province also benefits from a highly convenient 72-hour tourism visa-on-arrival service for all travellers who wish to experience the marvels of the region.

The Chengdu Government and Culture and Tourism Development Group are keen to promote this amenity to travellers wishing to immerse themselves in unique experiences in nature, including visiting the home of the treasured panda.

The State of Qatar has long been sought after by Chinese travellers as an optimal transit point, for cultural and shopping excursions. Additionally, the expansive network offered by the national carrier provides convenient and flexible options for business and leisure travellers from China venturing westwards.