For Immediate Release10 May 2016

International Associations Meet their Match in Qatar

QTA introduces associations on the look-out for hosts of their global conventions to local industry leaders

Meeting planners for international associations met with local industry representatives in a session hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) to introduce event planners to potential hosts.

The planners represented UK-based and international associations, including World Petroleum Council, International News Media Association, and the International Artist Managers Association.

The match-making session took place at Qatar National Convention Centre, enabling planners to witness first hand a sample of the country’s state-of-the art conference facilities, and meet with local industry leaders such as Qatar Petroleum, Northwestern University in Qatar, and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

“We are delighted to introduce global associations to representatives of institutions that make up Qatar’s key sectors, including education, oil and gas, environment, science and research, sports, and music,” commented Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at QTA. “Our leadership’s investment in these sectors and the ongoing efforts to diversify Qatar’s economy are reflected in the year-round local, regional and international events being held here, attracting a substantial number of the country’s visitors.”

Al Obaidli added that QTA’s strategy to attract 7 million visitors by 2030 relies heavily on business events. QTA’s work to achieve this target involves continuous sessions to introduce planners to local stakeholders, as well as empowering Qatar-based organisations to bid for and host global events.

“This visit has been a real eye-opener for me, and I am excited about conveying Qatar’s potential to my board. There is no question in my mind about Qatar’s capacity, infrastructure and the support from the local community for hosting large-scale events,” said Mark Challinor, President of International News Media Association (INMA).

Attendees discussed the benefits of hosting large-scale international events to the local community and economy. Events that draw thousands of delegates can bring up to $50 million in revenue to a host country, through visitors spending on hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Jacob Kristiansen, Director of Projects at professional conference organiser MCI Middle East, attended the event to explore opportunities as his company prepares to open a branch in Qatar. “The local market is ripe and ready for hosting global conferences. The industry is moving very quickly on a journey to build a premium destination for events, and we are very glad to be working with QTA to make this journey successful.”

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For further information, please contact:

pressoffice@qatartourism.gov.qa + 974 4499 7248+974 6679 4292

About Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)

Long-recognised by the country’s leadership as an avenue to further Qatar’s development, tourism has been designated a priority sector by the government. Qatar Tourism Authority’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a world-class tourism destination with deep cultural roots. In 2014 QTA launched the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase the sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economy by 2030.

QTA works in partnership with public and private stakeholders to achieve this mission by planning, regulating and promoting a sustainable and diverse tourism industry.

As part of its planning efforts, QTA identifies types of tourism products and services that will contribute to the Qatar tourism experience, and works to attract investment for their development.

Regulation efforts involve ensuring tourism sector establishments operate at the highest standards while perpetuating Qatar’s culture.

QTA promotes Qatar as a destination around the world, through its destination branding, international representation and participation at trade shows, and by developing a rich calendar of festivals and events. With a growing international presence, QTA’s representative offices in London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Singapore, and Riyadh support QTA’s promotion efforts.

Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 6 million visitors, and achieved an average annual growth in arrivals of 11.5% between 2010-2015. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with 2014 estimates showing a total impact on Qatar’s total GDP of 4.1%.

www.visitqatar.qa /businessevents @QTACorporate