Qatar Tourism announced a distinguished seven-person jury panel for the inaugural edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. The highly anticipated awards celebrate organisations that consistently deliver exceptional tourism experiences.

The panel is responsible for meticulously reviewing tourism businesses that excel in three principal categories: Cultural Experiences, Smart Solutions and Service Excellence – each highlights different aspects of the visitor experience.

In addition, The Qatar Tourism Awards will also feature a community segment, which will recognise community initiatives with significant impact – offering authentic tourism experience to Qatar visitors and spot the hospitality and warmth of citizens that was on full display during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The jury includes the following distinguished members:

  • Sheikha Al Anoud Al Thani, Chief Operating Officer at QFC
  • Engineer Abdulla Al-Mehshadi, CEO, Al Wa’ab City
  • Ramzan Al Naimi, CEO, Innovation Café
  • Khalid Al Jumaili, TV presenter
  • Dr Rana Al Sobh, Dean, College of Business and Economics, Qatar University
  • Dr Ghalya Al Thani, Entrepreneur and Director, Qatar Foundation
  • Marcel Leijzer, Deputy Director, Development Assistance, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Qatar Tourism Awards Panel
From top left: Engineer Abdulla Al-Mehshadi, Dr Ghalya Al Thani, Sheikha Al Anoud Al Thani, Ramzan Al Naimi, Dr Rana Al Sobh, Marcel Leijzer and Khalid Al Jumaili. 

According to Engineer Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief of Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism, they are delighted to have such a prestigious panel of judges participating in the inaugural edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. From academic leaders and top-tier executives to visionary entrepreneurs and innovation experts, he said that each jury member contributes a unique perspective to enrich the evaluation process.

It is through initiatives such as these, strengthened by the collaborative efforts of our partners, that help to create a vibrant and flourishing tourism sector.

Deputy Director of Development Assistance at UNWTO, Marcel Leijzer added that tourism development in Qatar stands for innovation and excellence. He said that the first Qatar Tourism Awards celebrate and honour the superb performance and outstanding achievements of key players to help boost Qatar’s tourism sector.

Commenting on her upcoming participation, Dr Rana Sobh said that initiatives like these, coupled with collaborative efforts, play a crucial role in shaping Qatar’s dynamic and thriving tourism landscape.

The curated jury reviewed and judged over 312 submissions, shortlisting 147 applicants from across the sector.

Winners will be promoted locally, regionally and internationally to gain greater visibility. The first edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be announced on 9 November.

For more details, visit qatartourism.com


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