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The Qatar Tourism Authority is for the first time hosting a delegation of 40 influential Meetings, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) experts in Doha.
In partnership with Germany’s biggest tourism industry publication, Fvw, QTA has developed a program of activities to showcase Qatar and all its attractions as well as highlight the tourism and hospitality infrastructure in the country such luxury hotels and the New Doha international Airport.
The guests will visit the new Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) as well as Education City, the Doha Exhibition Centre and other places that can and have held large scale events.
The program will culminate on September 29 with a one day workshop where the delegation will be appraised of the latest developments in Qatar’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry.
Germany is the top tourism spender in Europe. A Commerzbank study on projected German travel spending in 2011, has predicted significant growth with a total exceeding the 2008 record-breaking year by more than 1bn euro. Travel agents are the most important factor in recommending a destination and Germany has more travel agencies than any other country, 10,370 in 2010 and revenue of 20.2bn euro.
“This is our first workshop and visit of this kind and we are greatly heartened by the response from these hospitality professionals,” said QTA Chairman Mr. Ahmed Al Nuami. “Germany and indeed Europe is an important market for Qatar. We have excellent ties between the two countries and a steady flow of visitors each way.”
Mr. Al Nuami said Qatar had developed a strong and vibrant MICE industry as well as a place that can host large scale events such as the Asian Football Cup and in December the World Petroleum Congress in December this year.
“Qatar hosts more than 35 exhibitions and events in Doha Exhibition Centre and with the new facilities coming up – Qatar National Convention Centre and Doha Exhibitions and Convention Centre – will boost the exhibition and the conventions sector in the country in the near future.
“The announcement of our winning the right to host the 2022 FIFA world Cup put us on the map and we have seen a remarkable amount of interest in what we can offer visitors and business travelers.”
The workshop program on September 29 will include presentations from a range of experts on Qatar’s tourism and hospitality sector as well as German speakers. The event will include presentations on the New Doha International Airport, discussions on improving MICE business from the key market of Germany. The German experts will also share sales advice and tips on breaking into the German market as well details about Qatar’s future tourism developments including new hotels and other infrastructure.
Many sponsors worked with QTA to develop the schedule of activities ahead of the workshop including Qatar International Adventures, gulf Adventures, Sharq Village and spa, Ritz Carlton Doha, Grand Hyatt Doha, W Doha, Renaissance Doha, Oryx Rotana and The Pearl Qatar.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
