: NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences and the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade (ICDT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to host the third edition of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Tourism Fair at Qatar Travel Mart 2023. Having quickly established itself as an essential travel and tourism platform in Qatar and the region, Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023 will open its doors to exhibitors, buyers, and visitors from 20-22 November 2023 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

The MOU signing occurred on 15 March 2023, during the 49th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and the OIC Investment Forum, held in Nouakchott, Mauritania, attended by His Excellency Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This agreement followed resolutions adopted by the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the OIC, held on 22 and 23 March 2022 in Islamabad, Pakistan, whereby Qatar was nominated to host the third OIC Tourism Fair.

Commenting on the MOU signing, Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager, NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, said: “NeXTfairs is honored to declare the signing of an MOU with ICDT to expand Qatar Travel Mart’s exclusive travel and tourism platform to host the OIC 3rd Tourism Fair and promoting the tourism industry in the 57 OIC countries.

The OIC Tourism Fair is aligned with QTM and strives to encourage investment in the travel and tourism sector. It also aims to showcase the real image of Islam as a religion that promotes peace and tolerance. As the host of the World Cup 2022, Qatar is a fantastic destination to showcase how tourism can significantly boost a country’s economic growth and development.”

Mrs. Latifa Al Bouabdlioui, Director General of the Islamic Center for Development of Trade, said: “We are thrilled to bring the third OIC Tourism Fair to Qatar and appreciate the generosity and collaboration that Mr. Rawad Sleem and NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences have displayed towards helping us achieve our objective.”

She added: “We look forward to bringing the OIC Tourism Fair to Qatar, a country that has set ambitious tourism goals. We have witnessed the country’s transformation journey, which has seen the evolution of cultural destinations, family-friendly venues, superior hotels, and huge investments in infrastructure. It’s an impressive feat, which will bring a lot of inspiration to the fair’s participating countries. Events such as these enable us to build bridges while bolstering investment and trade.”

The Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade (ICDT), a subsidiary organisation of the OIC is entrusted with the mission of promoting trade and investments in OIC countries– boosting growth and prosperity. The OIC Tourism Fair is an opportunity for participating OIC countries to expand their reach and showcase their tourist and cultural offerings to audiences that seek Muslim-friendly facilities.

Islamic tourism is a recent phenomenon in the theory and practice of the global tourism industry. Traditionally Islamic tourism was often associated with Hajj and Umrah only. However, recently there has been an influx of products and services designed specifically to cater for the business and leisure-related segments of Muslim tourists across the globe. As a result, the Muslim tourism market has witnessed rapid growth and emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism market. According to a report by Future Market Insights, the global halal tourism market holds a forecasted revenue of US$ 255 billion in 2022 and is likely to reach US$ 365 billion by 2032.

Qatar has all facilities that Muslim travelers seek – access to mosques and prayer places, restaurants and hotels that cater to halal diets, female-only spas and beauty facilities and a family-friendly environment. In addition, since 2019, Qatar has been ranked the safest country in the world – a factor that appeals to all types of tourists, including female groups or solo travelers.

Qatar is expected to welcome 6.24 million tourists in 2028, with visitor spending expected to reach QR102.7bn, an increase of 9.1% annually, according to a new report called Qatar Economic and Commercial Activities Guide 2022. The report, launched by the Qatar Chamber and based on research by Capital Economics, shows how the country’s tourism sector is becoming a vital part of its economy. 

Events such as Qatar Travel Mart 2023 and the OIC Tourism Fair significantly enable Qatar and other OIC countries to realize their tourism potential. These events create an impactful meeting point, boosting connectivity and collaboration between future clients and partners to enhance sales and reputation.

To find out about Qatar Travel Mart 2023, please visit www. qtmqatar.com