Beirut, LEBANON – The President of Lebanon, General Emile Lahoud, held an audience with Qatar Tourism Authority chairman and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker during which Qatar’s rapidly developing tourism infrastructure and the future of the airline were the focus of talks.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Palace in the Lebanese capital Beirut, provided an opportunity for General Lahoud to hear first hand about Qatar’s tourism masterplan.

Al Baker spoke of Qatar’s investment in an array of projects to develop the country as a high quality destination covering cultural tourism, beach resorts, shopping, lifestyle, business and leading international sports events.

He also highlighted the development of Qatar Airways’ global network in a short seven years during which the airline has been turned into an award-winning carrier.

He explained that Qatar Airways, national carrier of the State of Qatar, also enjoyed a successful codeshare relationship with Lebanon’s national airline, Middle East Airlines since they signed a partnership agreement earlier this year.

Al Baker expressed his thanks to the President for the open skies policy in Lebanon which made it possible for Qatar Airways to offer unlimited capacity between Beirut, capital of Lebanon, and the Qatari capital, Doha.

Qatar Airways operates daily flights on the route and is able to carry MEA passengers under the codeshare pact.

The President also heard about Qatar Airways’ exciting route expansion programme with the addition of six new services from Doha beginning next month.

Al Baker was on a four-day visit to Lebanon, during which he officially opened Qatar Airways’ new office in Beirut, spoke at an aviation seminar at the Arab World Travel and Tourism Conference and Exhibition (AWTTE) and attended a gala dinner hosted by Qatar Airways for leading figures in Lebanon. He was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the AWTTE.