Qatar International Tourism Fair launches with the largest participation in its history economy

Al Jazeera Net correspondents

DohaIn an edition considered the largest, most influential, and most participating locally and regionally, the Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition 2024 (QTM) was opened today, Monday, in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the participation of more than 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, thus providing a platform for specialists and experts in the tourism industry. To communicate, collaborate and explore the latest trends in the travel and tourism sectors.

The Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (QTM), which will last 3 days, is expected to receive more than 12,000 visitors, which will represent a significant growth compared to previous editions, as the third edition of the exhibition – according to its organizers – aims to reflect the image of Qatar. As a leading global tourism destination with the slogan “Discover Places, People and Cultures”.

Exceptional copy

Head of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, Omar Abdul Rahman Al Jaber, said that the exhibition expresses the growing position that Qatar enjoys as a global destination, noting that this event represents a new achievement in Qatar’s journey to become a global leader in the tourism and hospitality sector industry.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Al Jaber confirmed that this year’s edition of the exhibition will be exceptional by all standards, thanks to the focus on strengthening partnerships, exchanging knowledge, and exploring emerging trends such as sustainable tourism, experiential travel, and others.

Al Jaber revealed that the tourism sector in Qatar is witnessing remarkable growth and transformation, making his country a world-class destination, basing this on a set of numbers:

• 24.5% increase in the number of visitors to the country in August 2024.
• Expect an annual growth rate of 8.31% from 2024 to 2028.
• Qatar’s international tourism spending reached $16.5 billion in 2023.
• The travel and tourism market in Qatar is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028.

Al Jaber stated that the tourism sector in Qatar not only attracts visitors from neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council countries, but the country has become a must-visit tourist destination for travelers from all over the world, providing an ideal blend of rich cultural heritage, innovative modernity and authentic hospitality.

The future of the industry

In turn, Visit Qatar CEO Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi said that the Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition 2024 is a vital platform that not only showcases our nation’s culture and world-class hospitality, but is also in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Al-Mawlawi explained to Al-Jazeera Net that the exhibition contributes to shaping the future of the tourism industry in Qatar and strengthening its position as a distinguished global destination for both business and entertainment, stressing that Qatar is on the right path.

Evidence of this is that the number of visitors to the country reached 4 million by the end of last October, which is equivalent to the total number of visitors to the country for the entire year of 2023, an increase of 26%, compared to the same period of last year 2023.

Al-Mawlawi pointed out the exhibition’s interest in local investment, such as the ambitious Simaisma project, which is a tourist entertainment development project worth $5.5 billion. According to Al-Mawlawi, this huge project displays luxury resorts, an amusement park, and a golf course, with the aim of creating unique tourism experiences in the region and the world.

New application

The Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition witnessed the launch of the “QTM B2B” application, which was designed to enhance the visitors’ experience by providing easy access to information related to exhibitors, the conference schedule, and specialized meeting plans.

This application seeks to facilitate meaningful communication opportunities and promote business growth among participants and attendees. It is available on Apple (iOS) and Android platforms, and will provide a smooth way to navigate the exhibition, as well as enhance opportunities for acquaintance and communication.

Morocco is guest of honour

The exhibition will witness a group of large pavilions for countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Morocco, as these countries display their huge tourism projects to the public and visitors to introduce them to the most prominent tourist attractions in them, in addition to introducing them to the overall tourism projects planned to be established in 2025.

Director of the Moroccan National Regional Office for Tourism in the Middle East and Asia, Rachid Hamzaoui, says that Moroccan participation in the Qatar Tourism Fair is the first in this huge annual tourism event held by the State of Qatar, noting that Morocco aims to enhance tourism promotion between the two countries.

Hamzawi expressed his pride in having Morocco as the guest of honor of the third edition of the Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, which is an opportunity to strengthen relations between Morocco and Qatar, especially with the celebration of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, which highlights the common cultural values ​​and historical ties between the two countries.

Hamzawi explained to Al Jazeera Net that the Qatari tourism market is very important for the Moroccan tourism sector, and revealed that the number of Qatari tourists to Morocco will double during the year 2024, in addition to a significant increase in the number of Moroccan tourists visiting Qatar in the same period.

Hamzawi said, “We look forward to sharing our unique experiences and exploring new opportunities for cooperation with all entities and institutions working in the tourism sector participating in this prestigious event.”