(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Sachin Kumar / The Peninsula
Qatar Airways plans to buy around 50 hotels in the next five years. The national carrier of Qatar also plans to launch flights to U-Tapao near Pattaya in Thailand in January. 'It is our plan to have at least 50 hotels in our portfolio. We have completed 10 percent of that and hopefully in the next five years we will complete 50 hotels around our network which we intend to buy, said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways while addressing newspersons at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai in Thailand.
'It is to ensure to have additional stream of revenue for the airline because we need to get into other businesses to support the growth of Qatar Airways, he added.
Following the arrival of QR822 on December 13, the airline's first flight to Chiang Mai, Al Baker discussed Qatar Airways' ambitious expansion of its global route network. He also highlighted the airline's commitment to generating tourist traffic to Chiang Mai.
'We are very excited to have launched our direct non-stop service to Chiang Mai. As our award-winning airline continues to grow its global network, expanding our presence with a fourth gateway into Thailand has always been a priority for us, he said.
'We have no doubt that Chiang Mai will prove a very popular destination for holiday-makers looking to explore this beautiful city with its stunning temples and mountain scenery. Putting the city on our global route map also connects local travellers from Chiang Mai to our extensive network of more than 150 destinations with award-winning Qatar Airways, he added.
'Everyone in Chiang Mai is delighted to welcome Qatar Airways to Thailand's second largest city. This new route extends the deep bonds of friendship that already exist between our two countries. Nearly 3,400 Thai citizens have made Qatar their home, including 1,224 who work for Qatar Airways, said Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, the Thai Ambassador to Qatar.
'Together, the citizens of our two counties will work in partnership to strengthen tourism in Thailand and Qatar through building stronger transport links. This new route between Doha and Chiang Mai is a tangible proof of the strengthening of these ties, he said.
Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, the Thai Ambassador to Qatar, added: We look forward to deepening those links with the opening of Qatar Airways' fifth Thai gateway when flights to U-Tapao near Pattaya commence in January next year. I would like to thank all of my colleagues in the diplomatic services of Qatar and Thailand as well as Qatar airways for their tireless work to achieve this historic service.
Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn, said: 'Throughout 2017 we have positioned Thailand as a ‘Preferred Destination' to ensure Thailand is kept front and centre when tourists consider where next to travel. So to end the year with the launch of Qatar Airways new route between Doha and Chiang Mai is testimony to the success of our strategy to deepen our links with key markets.
'The start of Qatar Airways' new four times a week service will significantly improve how we raise the profile of Thailand and Chiang Mai to long-haul overseas visitors in our highest source markets. As one of the top airlines in the world, we are delighted to welcome the start of this new service, which will enable us to warmly welcome even more tourists from the airline's diverse route network.
Doha Chiang Mai Flight Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Doha (DOH) to Chiang Mai (CNX) QR822 departs: 19:55 arrives: 06:00
Chiang Mai Doha Flight Schedule:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Chiang Mai (CNX) to Doha (DOH) QR823 departs: 07:10 arrives: 10:55
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