Qatar
Airways has hosted a private gala dinner with influential business
leaders, industry experts and heads of commerce to help complete the
celebrations for the launch of its newest route to Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The
exclusive gala dinner was attended by HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti,
the Minister of Transport and Communications, who hosted an array of
trade and industry representatives alongside Qatar Airways Group chief
executive Akbar al-Baker. Thai ambassador to Qatar Soonthorn
Chaiyindeepum travelled from Doha to Chiang Mai on the inaugural flight
to participate in the event.
The private event also welcomed Qatari
ambassador to Thailand Sheikh Jassim al-Thani, who travelled from
Bangkok to be part of the Qatari delegation. Other representatives
included leaders from the tourist industry, local businesses and major
industry associations, representing companies from across Thailand.
HE
al-Sulaiti said, “Qatar Airways’ new route to Chiang Mai from Doha
recognises the very important ties of friendship and commerce that exist
between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Thailand. It is a
relationship that will only grow stronger thanks to the launch of this
new service and one which we are delighted to pay tribute to tonight.
“Qatar
is a nation that deeply understands and appreciates the importance of
friendship between countries and their peoples. We look forward to
continuing to work closely with the people of Thailand through the
launch of this new connection.”
Al-Baker noted, “It has been an
honour to mark the start of this, our new four-times-weekly service from
Doha to Chiang Mai, in the company of so many illustrious guests,
including so many important government officials, influential business
leaders and heads of commerce.
“We have been warmly welcomed by the
people of Chiang Mai who have come together to recognise the importance
of our new route into Thailand’s second biggest city. I feel very
confident this new route will prove fruitful for Qatar’s national flag
carrier, for the people of Thailand and good for the significant tourism
industry here. We look forward to working closely with all of the
guests who joined us here at tonight’s event to cement the strong bonds
that exist between the State of Qatar and Thailand.”
Chiang Mai is
the airline’s fourth gateway into Thailand, continuing Qatar Airways’
rapid expansion into the country to meet the growing demand from
tourists, the Doha-based carrier has said in a statement. The airline is
also to launch a fifth Thai destination to Pattaya on January 28, 2018.
As
Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai is famous for its relaxed
lifestyle, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year who
travel from around the world to see its hundreds of ancient and
beautiful temples, nearby rainforest reserves, stunning mountain scenery
and peaceful country villages. The ever-growing tourist industry is
just one reason so many international businesses have relocated to make
Chiang Mai their home. Businesses have also taken advantage of the
city’s infrastructure, including direct international flight connections
to all the major countries in the region, including flights with Qatar
Airways’ codeshare partner, Bangkok Airways.
Qatar Airways will
continue to expand its global network in 2018 by adding flights to
Canberra, Australia; Penang, Malaysia and Cardiff, UK, in the coming
months.
![HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Akbar al-Baker and other dignitaries at the event. HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Akbar al-Baker and other dignitaries at the event.](https://www.gulf-times.com/uploads/imported_images/Upload/Slider/1220171712746680670901.jpg)
HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Akbar al-Baker and other dignitaries at the event.