Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority are hosting the first Qatar Total German Open 2005 starting today in Berlin.
The event, which has attracted some of the world’s leading women tennis professionals, is one of the highlights of the German sporting, business and social calendar.
Both organisations are supporting the tournament that, for the first time, is being organised under the auspices of the Qatar Tennis Federation that has bought the rights to the event with total prize money worth US$1.3m.
The Qatar Total German Open 2005 features on the professional women’s international circuit and is one of the top 10 tennis tournaments in the world.
The grounds of the Lawn Tennis Turnier Club in Berlin have already been turned into a Qatari village showcasing Qatar’s world-renowned Arabic hospitality, promoting culture, tourism and business opportunities to the German market.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer and Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Akbar Al Baker said he was proud to see both organisations affiliated with such a high-profile event.
“The State of Qatar is increasingly gaining attention for its thriving tourism industry and strong commercial interests which are helping put our country on the global stage,” he said.
“Sport is a global commodity and Qatar is becoming a centre for excellence in different sports. We have world-ranking men’s and women’s tennis tournaments in our capital city Doha and now want to show the world we can organise key sporting events in international markets.
“The Qatar Total German Open 2005 in Berlin is an indication of our commitment to tennis and sport. We will showcase Qatari hospitality at its best and I am sure visitors to the grounds will not be disappointed.”
Added Al Baker: “Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority have enjoyed an excellent partnership with the Qatar Tennis Federation over the years and we look forward to staging this wonderful tournament in Berlin running until May 8, 2005.”
Qatar Tennis Federation president, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani said: “We have some of the world’s top ranking players participating in the Qatar Total German Open 2005.
“On behalf of the Qatar Tennis Federation and tennis fans around the world, I would like to thank Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority for their support of this event.
“We will ensure this event is one of the best ever. Our presence and involvement in this high-profile tournament for the first time will ensure we promote the State of Qatar, its culture, tourism and business to the world.”
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is proud to be Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways has been awarded World’s Best Airline, World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally