Visit Newport Beach, California and Qatar Airways have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai, UAE on 15th September, 2026 to boost collaboration on promoting the southern Californian destination as a premier tourist destination for residents of the Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement was signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Center by Vice President Africa & Global Leisure Sales of Qatar Airways, Hendrik Abraham Du Preez, and Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East Aviareps and Visit Newport Beach Middle East Representative. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two entities to leverage their respective strengths in marketing and promotion.

“This MoU signifies a milestone in our efforts to expand Newport Beach’s awareness and demand for discerning travellers and their families within the Middle East Gulf States seeking relaxed luxury lifestyle experiences. We look forward to collaborating with Qatar Airways so that we can showcase the exciting shopping, hospitality, dining, wellness, boating and family fun attractions that Newport Beach can uniquely offer.”

— Kamia Kinchlow, Vice President, Global Luxury Leisure of Visit Newport Beach

The strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the Newport Beach’s international growth strategy and reaffirms its strong commitment to the Middle East as a priority source market for luxury tourism and business exchange.

Located just 45 mins from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Newport Beach offers a uniquely Californian experience, where beautiful beaches, waterfront adventures, exceptional dining, luxury hospitality, and a welcoming community come together to create memorable experiences for every traveller. It’s central southern Californian location also makes it the ideal hub for international visitors to conveniently explore the region’s world-famous theme parks, national and state parks and iconic coastline drives.

To further entice Middle Eastern residents to experience the very best that Newport Beach has to offer, the collaboration will include joint digital and marketing activations including special value-driven packages and offers curated especially for Gulf State residents, which can be availed at the Qatar Airways Holidays dedicated Newport Beach landing page.