DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is participating in IMEX America, the US worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, in Las Vegas.
At the trade show, considered the largest for the business events industry in the US, QTA is hosting a breakfast for leading professional conference organisers, event planners and association representatives.
“Despite coming into the global spotlight for winning the right to host FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar’s strategy to become a destination for business and mega events extends far beyond 2022,” said Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions, QTA, who is heading the delegation.
“We are keen in event planners in the US to understand what Qatar has to offer and that we are open to developing meaningful, long-term partnerships with stakeholders involved in establishing a business events destination,” said Al Abdan.
He said to further strengthen ties with MICE executives, part of the group would be invited to Qatar early next year for a tour of the country and its world-class conference and exhibition facilities.
QTA’s strategy is to triple the number of business tourists by 2030. They currently comprise 70 percent of visitors as Qatar has witnessed a substantial increase in activity in the business meeting and exhibition sector, averaging 150 events a year.
The number of exhibitions has seen an average of 35 percent growth each year for the past three years. “Qatar projects a further growth of 20 percent in 2016 with an expected 60 shows on the calendar covering jewellery and watches, education and technology, manufacturing, food and coffee, among others,” Al Abdan said, adding efforts to diversify the economy and build a hub for innovation is reflected in Qatar’s busy meeting and conference agenda – the number of international association-related events in 2014 reached 22. Work to grow the business events sector is accompanied by developments in supporting sectors. Fifteen new hotel establishments opened in 2015, with construction to continue on additions in 2016, while Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre will host its first event next month.
The Peninsula
DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is participating in IMEX America, the US worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, in Las Vegas.
At the trade show, considered the largest for the business events industry in the US, QTA is hosting a breakfast for leading professional conference organisers, event planners and association representatives.
“Despite coming into the global spotlight for winning the right to host FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar’s strategy to become a destination for business and mega events extends far beyond 2022,” said Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions, QTA, who is heading the delegation.
“We are keen in event planners in the US to understand what Qatar has to offer and that we are open to developing meaningful, long-term partnerships with stakeholders involved in establishing a business events destination,” said Al Abdan.
He said to further strengthen ties with MICE executives, part of the group would be invited to Qatar early next year for a tour of the country and its world-class conference and exhibition facilities.
QTA’s strategy is to triple the number of business tourists by 2030. They currently comprise 70 percent of visitors as Qatar has witnessed a substantial increase in activity in the business meeting and exhibition sector, averaging 150 events a year.
The number of exhibitions has seen an average of 35 percent growth each year for the past three years. “Qatar projects a further growth of 20 percent in 2016 with an expected 60 shows on the calendar covering jewellery and watches, education and technology, manufacturing, food and coffee, among others,” Al Abdan said, adding efforts to diversify the economy and build a hub for innovation is reflected in Qatar’s busy meeting and conference agenda – the number of international association-related events in 2014 reached 22. Work to grow the business events sector is accompanied by developments in supporting sectors. Fifteen new hotel establishments opened in 2015, with construction to continue on additions in 2016, while Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre will host its first event next month.
The Peninsula
