The indisputable success of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) in its second edition, was marked by a much higher number of exhibitors, a significant increase in visitor attendance, improved B2B support, and a spectacular Gala Dinner. With the esteemed patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, QTM 2023 drew enthusiastic acclaim from both stakeholders and exhibitors. The prestigious Opening Ceremony featured the exhibition's inauguration by, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry.
As a crucial platform for Qatar's travel and tourism industry and international travel organizations, QTM 2023 hosted 9620 visitors, up by 50% on its first edition, with 250 exhibitors taking part from over 60 countries, and engaged up to 137 buyers. In collaboration with Qatar Tourism, the Hosted Buyer Program provided exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to meet with over 100 international buyers through pre-arranged face-to-face meetings, fostering potential investments and partnerships with tourism experts leading to the signing of many significant MOU agreements for the year.
Speaking about the success of this year’s event, Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, said: "We are thrilled with the outcome of the 2nd edition of Qatar Travel Mart 2023. We are truly honored to have the continued patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the support and attendance of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, as well as the unwavering support of our sponsors and partners. This year witnessed over 9,000 attendees. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep dedication to our mission, and our resolute determination to reach new heights of success. This year, we have taken a giant leap forward by expanding the event, welcoming an astounding 250 exhibitors and hosting up to 100 buyers from 60 countries.
He added: “Our partnerships with esteemed sponsors and collaborators have flourished, underlining their steadfast support for our mission. Together, we believe that Qatar Travel Mart plays a pivotal role in positioning Qatar as a significant travel and tourism hub, actively nurturing the growth of its tourism industry. Through our collective efforts to attract international buyers and visitors to experience Qatar and make it a part of their travel plans, the tourism sector becomes a vital driver of Qatar's economic and social progress, in alignment with Qatar’s National Vision 2030."
The opening event of QTM witnessed the esteemed presence of distinguished dignatories, including Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Hotels Association and Qatari Businessmen Association; Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism; Mr. Nasser Matar AlKawari, CEO of Katara Hospitality; Salim Khalaf Al Manai, GCEO of QIC; Prof. Muzaffer Uysal from the University of Massachusetts; H.E. Mrs. Latifa El Bouabdellaoui, Director General of ICDT; Mr. Ashraf Abuissa, Chairman of Abuissa Holding; Mr. Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of Saudi Tourism Authority; Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs (Exhibition Organizer); and Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of Al Hattab Holding Board of Directors.
512 distinguished VIPs, comprising ambassadors and envoys from 60 countries, were present at the ceremony. Notable Tourism Boards from St. Petersburg, South Korea, Seychelles, Thailand, Italy, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Almaty, Jordan, Lebanon, and others also attended the event.
The 3-day Qatar Travel Mart international conference brought together experts to discuss travel and tourism prospects, global developments, and recovery efforts. Panel discussions explored topics like the 'Future of Travel & Tourism,' 'Creating a World-Class Sustainable Destination,' 'Certification in an International Crisis Period,' and 'Preserving Cultural Heritage & Promoting Tourism.' The conference featured keynote speeches from renowned experts, including H.E. Mr. Saad Al Kharji, Basmah Al Mayman, Prof. Muzzafer Uysal, Tom Jenkins, and others.
Taking place at the luxurious Raffles Hotel in Doha, the Grand Gala Dinner of QTM brilliantly showcased the outstanding contributions of tourist authorities dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences and exhibitors devoted to enriching attendee experiences. These efforts focused on promoting accessibility, creating environments conducive to productive business interactions, and elevating overall event experiences. The prestigious awards were presented to the following recipients: Malta for Sustainability Champion; Turkey for Most Accessible Booth, Qatar Tourism for Arab Tourism Capital and Innovation Excellence Booth, Saudi Tourism Authority for Family Friendly Destination, Katara Hospitality for Leaders in Hospitality and Best Designed Stand above 150sqm, Mowasalat for Transport Excellence Booth, and Ezdan Palace Hotel for Best Designed Stand below 150sqm.
In addition, participants enjoyed the Global Village, where 25 embassies showcased cultural performances and traditional celebrations from countries such as Thailand, Mexico, India, Russia, the Dominican Republic, and Kyrgyzstan. As the Official Destination Management Company, Experience Qatar curated a memorable 3-day adventure for media guests, exploring Qatar's unique landscape, UNESCO -listed landmarks, and culture.
Perfectly positioned to contribute to the robust growth of Qatar's tourism, Qatar Travel Mart is poised for further success.
Following the hosting of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar has witnessed a notable increase in tourism, attributed to the introduction of new festivals, attractions, and improved diplomatic relations in the Gulf region. The nation's tourism sector has experienced a remarkable surge since hosting the World Cup in late 2022.
A significant influx of new visitors is coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional economic union consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This includes both GCC citizens and individuals working in one of the union's member states. This influx highlights Doha's growing competitiveness with more traditional tourist hubs like Dubai and Manama, the capitals of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, respectively, as well as the Riyadh Season, a Saudi sports and entertainment festival. Official sources project a staggering 347% increase in the number of foreign arrivals in Qatar in 2023 compared to 2022.
Sports play a prominent role in the country's tourism plans, with the 2022 World Cup serving as a major milestone. Doha is actively working to organize additional international sports events, including the 2023 Asia Cup, set to host 24 football teams with Qatar as the defending champion, and the Grand Prix, a Formula One extravaganza that debuted in 2021 and is now considered one of the Gulf's most advanced racing circuits.
The increase in visitor numbers is also attributed to a heightened focus on Qatar's cruise tourism. The country's newly renovated Doha Cruise Ship Port is strategically located in the heart of Doha, allowing visitors to maximize their experience during their short stay in the city.
Organizations aligned with the Qatar National Vision and contributors to developing the tourism industry, have provided invaluable support, greatly furthering the success of Qatar Travel Mart 2023.
This impressive array of sponsors and partners includes Strategic Partner Qatar Tourism; Title Sponsor Saudi Tourism Authority-STA; Founding Partner Katara Hospitality; Event Supporters such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Official Airline Partner Qatar Airways; Official Transport Partner Mowasalat; Official Hospitality Partner Ezdan Palace; Platinum Sponsor Retaj Hotels and Hospitality; Official Destination Management Company Partner Experience Qatar, and Association Partners including AMFORHT (The World Association for Hospitality Tourism Education and Training), World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, WLO (The World Leisure Organization), and the Islamic Centre for Development and Trade. Together, they are united in their commitment to reshape the landscape of the travel and tourism industry.
Commenting on the upcoming Qatar Travel Mart, Mr. Rawad Sleem stated, " We take pride in the achievements of Qatar Travel Mart 2023 and its commitment to strengthening Qatar's growing global reputation as a premier tourism destination. The enthusiastic engagement of visitors, exhibitors, and unwavering support from sponsors allowed us to showcase our offerings to a broad audience, a source of immense satisfaction. By actively attracting international buyers and visitors to explore Qatar and include it in their travel plans, this event aims to further our objective of stimulating and enhancing Qatar's expanding tourism industry, in harmony with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Building on this success, we are actively gearing up for the upcoming launch of the third edition of Qatar Travel Mart at DECC and eagerly anticipate welcoming you to QTM 3rd edition from 25 to 27 November2024 ."