QATAR Tourism Authority (QTA) and its partners return to IMEX Frankfurt this week to promote the country as a destination for business events, and strengthen ties with industry stakeholders in European markets.
QTA is exhibiting alongside 12 partners at IMEX, showcasing a full range of state-of-the-art venues, hotels, tour operators and event management companies, including QMICE – a service provided by Qatar Airways to organizers of business events - Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and the soon-to-open Mondrian Doha Hotel.
“We continue to see growing interest in Qatar as a destination for business events from the German-speaking market. And, as Qatar continues to develop and grow its business event and hospitality offering, we are pleased to showcase the increasing opportunities for business tourists to enjoy seamless and authentic experiences, both within and beyond their event,” said Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at QTA. “Together with our partners, we are building on existing ties with the German-speaking market and creating new ones through our active participation at IMEX Frankfurt this year.”IMEX Frankfurt is a three-day global trade show that brings thousands of members of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry together under one roof, enabling meeting planners, corporate meetings and conference organizers, as well as exhibitors, to find their ideal destinations and set their forthcoming events in motion.
As a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), QTA will also be presenting its strategy to continue growing the sector at the association’s Middle East Chapter Meeting, being held on the sidelines of IMEX Frankfurt. The presentation will highlight the efforts undertaken by QTA and across the sector to capitalize on Qatar’s assets in attracting and hosting more global business events.
In addition, German event planners are set to enjoy a taste of Qatar’s hospitality at IMEX Frankfurt through a ‘buyer’s lunch’ hosted by QTA. The event targets conference organizers and representatives of associations seeking new destinations for their events. QTA has invited many of these buyers to visit Qatar’s world-class facilities, as well as attend match-making sessions with relevant local industry representatives.
Business Events is a key sub-sector of Qatar’s tourism industry. With more than 150 business events taking place in Qatar annually, a substantial number of visitors to Qatar are business tourists.
The country has sustained an average annual growth rate of 51% in exhibitions over the past three years. QTA has taken a number of steps to further support and facilitate the planning and execution of large-scale events in Qatar through initiatives that include the launch of the country’s first Business Events Guide in March of this year. The Guide, available both online and in hard copy, offers a comprehensive resource that helps international event organizers, wherever they are, to plan and deliver their exhibitions, conferences, conventions and meetings in Qatar. — SG
