By Jimoh Babatunde with agency reports

Qatar Airways has strengthened its business model with a vertically integrated operation that includes a hotel and global travel agencies in Qatar.

The airline just opened a 400 room hotel in Doha called the Oryx Rotana in addition to de

Nigeria stand at the just concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai which had over 69 countries in attendanc

veloping a tour operation body, Qatar Airways Holidays.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, while speaking at the unveiling of its new look brochure  offering an array of worldwide holiday options  at the just concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, said  the revamp represented  a significant enhancement  to the holiday programme.

Speaking on the vertical integration, Al Baker said “Through this unique model, we are able to offer excellent prices due to our strong buying power of travel products and services around the world which we are only delighted to pass onto our customers in form of value for money, affordable holiday packages.”

The new look brochure replaced three separate regional editions, with the new 352 page holiday  brochure- Inspiring  Great  Journeys 2011/2012- covers  three, four and five star hotels in over 100 cities which Qatar Airways  flies to across Europe, Middle East, Africa and South America among others.

For the first time, Qatar Airways  Holidays is offering dynamic online packaging enabling customers to book different components of a holiday through its portal or though any of the airline’s global reservation and ticketing offices.

Speaking on the participation at the ATM where the airline displayed its long-haul Boeing 777 Business Class seats and the airline’s interactive in-flight entertainment system, Al Baker said “We are pleased to be exhibiting at a key event so close to home. Arabian Travel Market is a forum to connect with travel industry suppliers, partners and key officials, and comes at an especially important time as we embark on the second half of our 2011 global expansion plans.”

While recalling  the success of the airline since 1994 when it came on stream, Al Baker said the airline’s Premium Terminal, which caters exclusively to Qatar Airways’ First and Business Class passengers, has continued to rake in awards for its  ambience and comfort, staff attitude, seating and business facilities, restaurant choice and check in and immigration facilities.

Al Baker said the Qatar Airways the Premium Terminal opened in 2006 is the world’s only dedicated stand-alone facility solely for First and Business Class passengers. “Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport topped polls at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, where it was honoured with the highest accolade ‘Best Premium Service Airport’ in its category.”