Time to reconnect with the world again
Qatar Travel Mart (QTM 2021), the first of its kind exhibition in Qatar, aims to support and strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism industry of the country by bringing together the inbound and outbound tourism together. QTM provides a marketplace for a mutual relationship to both local and international tourism businesses by promoting, upholding and discovering the place, people, and culture. NeXTfairs, the multi-format events organiser has a national mandate to position Qatar as the premium destination for business events. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager, NeXTfairs shares more on the debut event. Tell us about the vision, theme, and focus of QTM 2021? Is it the same as envisaged for QTM 2020 (which was postponed), or something new?
First, let me extend my utmost gratitude to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani for his patronage and the entire Qatari government for supporting Qatar Travel Mart’s objectives during these challenging times.
The theme of Qatar International Exhibition for Travel and Tourism- Qatar Travel Mart is Discover PEOPLE, PLACES AND CULTURES. Its focus is to offer the most sought-after travel destinations, realestate development projects and up-to-date Sports, MICE, Cultural, Leisure, Luxury, and medical tourism trends to the most discerning upscale market and provide insights and fresh perspective on the future of tourism by bringing together the industry’s thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders. Also, it is QTM’s aim to provide a venue for the travel and tourism industry to take its first step to recovery.
When it comes to QTM’s vision, it hasn’t shifted however, to adapt to the current situation, there is more emphasis on the wellbeing of all participants, the importance of creating a safe environment while conducting business, and the necessity of promoting face-to-face interaction as a tool of the marketplace.
Please shed some light on the travel and tourism industry statistics for Qatar?
As I’m sure everyone is aware, in the past 20 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the travel and tourism industry immensely. However, prior to this period, Qatar’s tourism statistics were growing exponentially year on year. The total contribution to GDP in 2019 was 45.5 billion QAR which represents 7.1 per cent of Qatar’s total GDP and 11.1 per cent of non-oil GDP, while there were 119,800 jobs supported by travel and tourism in 2019 and this is expected to double by 2030 to 247,800 jobs. International visitor spend in 2019 amounted to 19.8 billion QAR (excluding airfare; so indestination only). Visitor arrivals are expected to rebound strongly in 2022, as borders reopen more fully and pent-up demand is released, visitors from previously blockading GCC countries and visitors for FIFA World Cup 2022.
How many exhibitors and visitors are you aiming at to be a part of the event?
We are expecting to welcome a total of 7,000 visitors who will have the opportunity to meet with 90+ local and international exhibitors from various travel and tourism sectors, such as, tourism boards, governmental agencies, travel agents & tour operators, DMC’s, medical tourism providers, hotels and resorts, airlines and sports tourism.
We are proud of having a very diverse and prestigious group of confirmed exhibitors; we are privileged to have on board Aspire & Torch Hospitality, Retaj Hotels & Hospitality, Doha Bus, Visit Maldives, ENIT – The Italian Tourism Board, Azerbaijan Pavilion, Rwanda Pavilion, Korea Tourism Organization, Dominican Republic Pavilion, Cyprus Pavilion, Gulf Adventures LLC, First Travel & Tourism, National Cruise Company, to name just a few.
Tell us about the location? Also, how is it set to provide all-around better conditions for in-person exhibitors and visitors to engage?
We have chosen DECC as the venue of QTM 2021. The Doha Exhibition and Convention Center is located in West Bay, at the heart of Doha’s business district. It is close to the airport and is surrounded by various hotels with the choice of 5 stars down to affordable accommodations. DECC is also a stone’s throw away from the metro station, which makes it more accessible to reach the venue.
Any particular segment of travel that has been given more focus on?
For us to cover all the travel and tourism industry’s segments, QTM 2021 will be featuring seven dedicated sectors of the travel and tourism industry, which will focus on a holistic experience covering luxury, business, medical, sports, MICE, halal tourism, leisure and cultural tourism trends.
What are some of the interesting and innovative programmes curated for QTM 2021?
To engage both our participants and visitors, QTM 2021 will feature a 3-day conference which will be attended by highprofile speakers and influencers, the Global Village which will connect different parts of the world under one roof; showcasing heritage, philosophies and more, the Media Fam Trip which aims to introduce Qatar’s amazing destinations and their unique travel experiences to be shared with the world, the Gala Dinner to engage QTM 2021 Exhibitors and VIPs to experience the essence of Qatar’s local hospitality, along with the Hosted Buyers Program where QTM’s Strategic Partner, Qatar Tourism, will bring together 24 high profile buyers from all over the world to Qatar, giving exhibitors the opportunity to meet senior decision-makers and tourism experts, source potential investments and joint ventures, and achieve real business
interactions.
How will this event impact the tourism industry in Qatar?
The event brings together many international tourism boards, national, and regional tourist offices, airlines, tour operators, hoteliers, travel technology providers and travel agents, all under one roof. It is the only event in Qatar to promote recovery and best practices of the travel and tourism industry.
Being marked as the safest country in the world, Qatar is the best choice for a tourist destination including the MICE Segment. With over 80 visa-free on arrival, the country is the friendliest place for visitors and business people alike.