Publisher’s Note:

I am extremely delighted and proud of this landmark achievement by Qatar Information & Marketing (QIM), which highlights the group’s vision “Enlightenment and Development”, by publishing the Pan-Arab Tourist Directory-2007. The new edition is an enhancement and development over the first issue published in 2004 in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States headed by General Secretary, HE Amr Moussa.

It has been amply proved that tourism contributes effectively towards the prosperity and development of national economies while invigorating the global economy as well. Development of tourism has not always relied upon theavailability of natural, cultural, historical and other traditional attractions alone. Often, tourism depends upon thecreativity to invent newer attractions for the tourist such as sports events, conferences and exhibitions being thebest examples, since they too can spur tourism and help nations achieve their economic and social development goals. The sector is always open to creativity and there is a wide scope to add newer attractions.

In Qatar, we have a model experience which confirms the fact that tourism is no longer dependent upon traditional attractions. The successful hosting of the 15th Asian Games in Doha highlights the concept of comprehensive development- the most important element- of developing the tourism sector, since it reflected the growth of other sectors. The hosting of Asian Games can be described more as a “development of a civilization” in all its terms and meanings.

If there is a constant need for innovating the product available to tourists in all countries, there is a greater need in developing and least developed nations where economic resources are few and human capabilities limited, despite the presence of major tourism attractions. Hence, there is a wide scope for creativity and innovation in the field in such countries.

It starts here when the importance of integrating the potentials of a single region, capitals, administrative experiences, human skills, natural resources and cultural and traditional heritage to form a basis of tourism promotion, should emerge.

With this issue of the Pan-Arab Tourist Directory, I am happy to express my appreciation to the management and staff at QIM and its editorial, marketing and technical teams while commending their efforts in executing such a major informative project. I hope that this work contributes greatly towards enriching our tourism culture which will help create a broader awareness of the treasures we have in store for visitors to our region.