With 153 participating companies from 16 countries
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, inaugurated on 7 November 2017, Hospitality Qatar, the country’s premier international hospitality and Hotel/Restaurant/Café (HORECA) trade show at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The event is expected to draw in large international participation, reflecting the increasing interest in leveraging promising opportunities available in Qatar, especially as the number of hotels, hospitality and tourism facilities has surged in the past few years, with more than USD 40 billion being allocated to upgrade the already booming hospitality sector over the next 15 years, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
During the inauguration, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, stressed that the tourism sector is the most important pillar that supports Qatar’s economic diversification strategy, which is aimed at achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that the country has moved towards raising the contribution of this sector to gross domestic product (GDP), especially in light of the huge investment opportunities available in this sector, which will contribute to bolstering the competitiveness of the national economy and its attractiveness to foreign investment.
His Excellency added that the great growth currently being witnessed in the tourism and hospitality sector has been accompanied by the inauguration and implementation of several projects, particularly across hotels and other tourist facilities.
In addition, Minister Al Thani lauded the efforts made to organize this year’s edition of Hospitality Qatar, which reflects the country’s role as a key player in the hospitality and investment market in the region. HE added that this exhibition will contribute to enhancing communication among businessmen, investors and owners of specialized companies to establish successful projects that will strengthen Qatar’s reputability as a leading tourist destination in the region and the world.
The exciting three-day show will see the participation of more than 153 companies from 16 countries including Turkey, Spain, India and Iran and is expected to receive 7,000 visitors. It is composed of three zones; Food & Beverage, Supply & Design, and Hotel & Franchise Investment. This year, Hospitality Qatar is also introducing a new addition for the first time, called ‘Food Qatar.’ The platform is particularly designed to open new investment opportunities in the sector to support the Government’s efforts to reduce reliance on food imports and achieve food security. The platform also provides a meeting point for local, regional and international food suppliers and manufacturers to communicate with buyers in Qatar’s market which is expected to grow steadily to USD 1.6 billion by 2020.
George Ayache, General Manager at IFP Qatar, the organizing company said:
The extensive international participation reflects growing confidence in Hospitality Qatar as an ideal gateway to reach huge opportunities and explore the promising prospects within the hotel supply, design and investment sectors in Qatar. The launch of ‘Food Qatar’ is an important addition in strengthening the role of the show as a major contributor to the growth of the food, hospitality, hotel, restaurant, franchising and retailing segments, which in turn provides a thriving business environment for regional and international food producers and suppliers. We look forward with confidence and optimism to the new platform, which will open broad prospects for promoting cooperation in the vital investment areas and driving more growth in the food and catering industry in Qatar, which is moving forward to achieving food self-sufficiency. With the participation of key investors, designers, suppliers and experts coming from 16 countries to showcase the latest products, innovations and services, we can say that this year’s edition will be a major boost to seize lucrative business and investment opportunities that support economic growth.’
This year’s edition running till 9 November 2017 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), will feature enlivening events to look out for, including the Salon Culinaire, Live Cooking Competitions, Mocktail Competition and a Barista Competition.
Hospitality Qatar 2017 will also be featuring a vibrant exhibition zone, a highly-targeted B2B programme, and simultaneous events and activities, allowing visitors and participants to experience a 360-degree coverage of all aspects of the HORECA as well as F&B and hospitality investment markets.
https://www.marhaba.qa/event/hospitality-qatar-2017/
