Qatar Airways in $1.2mn Australia tourism deal

Qatar Airways has embarked on $1.2mn joint tourism promotion with the government of Western Australia to coincide with the launch of the airline’s new flights to Perth. The two-year agreement involves Qatar Airways and Tourism Western Australia undertaking joint marketing activities to promote attractions of the state Down Under. From the cosmopolitan capital of Perth to the wineries and scenic coastline of the state’s south west coast and the world-famous Ningaloo Reef to the north on the Coral Coast, the campaign will focus on advertising, marketing and familiarisation trips for the travel trade and media from around the world to Western Australia. The agreement was officially signed at a joint press conference by Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker and the deputy premier of Western Australia Dr Kim Hames at the State Reception Centre in Perth. Yesterday’s launch of non-stop thrice-weekly scheduled flights by Qatar Airways from Doha to Perth has  boosted the airline’s foothold Down Under, where the carrier has been operating daily services to Melbourne on the east coast for more than two years. “I am absolutely delighted Qatar Airways has joined forces with the government of Western Australia to further boost international visitor numbers to this state. With a large international network that spreads across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Qatar Airways is well positioned to fly passengers from many parts of the world via our Doha hub to Perth and its beautiful surrounding areas,” al-Baker said.  “After the success of our Melbourne route, we have been eagerly awaiting our arrival into Perth and the route is already showing popularity with very good forward bookings. I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Australian authorities that have worked tirelessly to pave the way for Qatar Airways’ expansion in Australia,” he added.