As part of Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) efforts to showcase Qatar as a destination of choice, it has kicked off this year’s trade show season by leading a delegation of private partners to IBTM Arabia. The largest gathering of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) professionals in the region took place in Abu Dhabi on 7 – 9 February, and was attended by an eight-member delegation led by QTA.

Through meetings with international business events’ organisers at IBTM Arabia, the Qatar delegation, which included representatives of Qatar’s exhibition and conference venues and private sector hospitality partners, worked to reinforce the country’s position as a destination of choice for global business events.

Ahmed Al Obaidly, Director of Exhibitions at QTA, said:

Event planners and organisers are always looking for new destinations to host their events, and with growing interest in the GCC, IBTM Arabia presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase Qatar’s potential. The country’s authentic tourism offerings combined with state-of-the art exhibition space, an expanded transport network, and exceptional accessibility via Qatar Airways makes for a highly attractive business event destination.’

He added:

Qatar is a destination where scientists, researchers, and artists can continue to learn and share knowledge while experiencing the country’s unique cultural offerings, within and outside the walls of a conference hall.’

Throughout the three-day trade show, QTA targeted business events planners and media specialised in MICE. Each encounter highlighted Qatar’s growing business events facilities, alongside the country’s tourism products and services.

This season, QTA expects to lead 70 private sector partners to specialised tourism and travel trade shows where it will showcase Qatar’s offering as a destination for leisure, business and cruise tourism. Global tradeshows include IMEX Frankfurt (Business Events), World Travel Market in London and the Riyadh Travel Fair (Leisure) and Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale (Cruise).

The Qatar delegation to IBTM Arabia included representatives from the following organisations:

  1. Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park
  2. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
  3. Intercontinental Doha, The City
  4. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Doha
  5. Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
  6. Murwab Hotel Group
  7. Qatar National Convention Centre
  8. Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel