Beirut, LEBANON – Qatar Airways has officially opened its dedicated new sales and reservations office in Beirut, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to the Lebanese market.

Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was joined by Minister of Tourism His Excellency Ali Abdallah for the official opening ceremony, which was also attended by local dignitaries and the media.

The 600sqm office, located in the exclusive residential district of Ein El-Tineh, is three times bigger than the old premises.

It is modern, airy and contemporary, offering visitors a warm welcome with plenty of open space to relax and book their tickets.

The two-floor office is manned by 21 sales and reservations staff, a team headed up by Area Manager Lebanon and Cyprus, Naima Kassir.

Al Baker, on a four-day official visit to Lebanon, said the new office was needed to cope with the growth in the number of business and leisure passengers flying Qatar Airways.

“Our new office will appeal to many visitors because of its location and contemporary feel,” he said.

“The new office only reinforces the importance of the growing bond between both Qatar and Lebanon, two countries with strong cultural and social links. We at Qatar Airways are looking to develop stronger ties with our flights and superior inflight service to serve passengers of both countries.”

Added Al Baker: “Qatar Airways operates daily flights between Beirut and Doha and has a successful codeshare partnership with Middle East Airlines which began earlier this year.”

Qatar Airways is exhibiting at the Middle East’s leading travel trade show this week – the Arab World Travel and Tourism Conference and Exhibition, at the BIEL Centre in Beirut.

The airline will have a dedicated stand and will be promoting the launch of six new routes this winter.

Over the next three months, Beijing, Seychelles, London Gatwick, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Yangon will be added to the network, increasing Qatar Airways’ global reach from 53 to 59 destinations, and enhancing its status as one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.

Qatar Airways operates across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East. By the end of 2005, Qatar Airways will serve at least 70 destinations, including North America and Australia.