Gulf states look at China

DUBAI - Airline executives and hospitality executives said on Monday that they expect Chinese inbound tourism to the Middle East to continue to boom following the lifting of visa restrictions by several Arab states. They made the remarks at the 24th edition of the Arabian Travel Market fair and exhibition.

Briefing the media at a press conference, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker praised the visa-on-arrival scheme for Chinese travelers the Gulf Arab states implemented since September last year.

"The removal of pre-visa requirements has triggered an increase in Chinese travelers to Qatar and this is only the beginning," says Al-Baker.