Qatar Tourism announced the names of the winners of its award for the year 2024, during a ceremony held at the Raffles Doha Hotel, to honor the most prominent contributions and efforts made by tourism sector partners, whether individuals or institutions, and to appreciate their role in providing distinct and exceptional tourism experiences and thus enhancing Qatar’s position as a destination. Global leader.
The ceremony to announce the winners of the second edition of the award took place during an honorary ceremony, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and Ms. Basma Al Maiman, Regional Director for the Middle East at the Organization. United Nations Global.
Qatar Tourism launched the award last year in cooperation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, to celebrate the contributions made by companies and individuals in the tourism sector in line with the highest standards of service excellence. The award, in its various categories, was designed to encourage tourism sector partners to enrich visitors’ experiences, whether directly or indirectly, and to launch exceptional initiatives that meet the standards of uniqueness, sustainability, ease of access, and exceptional service.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, said: “We are meeting for the second year in a row to celebrate the Qatar Tourism Award, and to honor individuals and institutions that have made exceptional efforts in developing distinguished tourism experiences and products. We evaluated more than 1,200 nominees, which reflects the growing interest in this award.”
His Excellency added: “Qatar Tourism is proceeding according to a clear strategy that aims to make Qatar one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the region, as we place excellence in service at the core of our priorities. The Qatar Tourism Award has become a standard of excellence, as it highlights the best tourism offers, services, innovations and achievements witnessed by the tourism sector.” His Excellency thanked the members of the jury for their objectivity, transparency and accuracy during the selection process, calling on all workers in the tourism sector, individuals and institutions, to nominate for the next edition of the award, which will give them the opportunity to become a member of the network of award winners.
In this year’s edition, the number of award categories was increased to seven instead of three, with the aim of covering all aspects and components of the visitors’ experience in Qatar. This year’s award categories include: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Outstanding Attractions and Activities, Major Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leaders. The winners were selected by a distinguished jury, which was responsible for evaluating the levels of excellence and experiences provided by the companies and individuals nominated within each category.
One of the new subcategories added to this edition is the “Tourism Content Creator of the Year” category, to celebrate talented content makers who express in a creative and innovative way the rich and vibrant culture and unique experiences that Qatar abounds with.
The Service Excellence category celebrates companies and individuals who provide exceptional customer service experiences within the tourism sector. The winners of this category for the year 2024 are ten entities and individuals.
The gastronomic experiences category includes food and beverage outlets that succeed in transforming the dining experience into an art form and creating unforgettable dining experiences. The winners of this category for 2024 are 6 restaurants and cafes.
The Distinguished Attractions and Activities category honors the most attractive destinations, activities and tourism experiences for visitors in Qatar. The winners of this category for the year 2024 are 6 distinguished destinations and brands in tourism.
The Major Events category includes small, medium and large events that have a significant impact on tourism and enhance Qatar’s position on the global tourism map. The winners of this category for 2024 are: Doha Forum, Old Doha Port, Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
There is also a digital footprint category, which honors those who use digital tools and platforms efficiently to enhance the tourism sector’s presence and confirm its global reputation. The winners of this category for the year 2024 are: Outstanding Destination Promotional Campaign Category: Hamad International Airport, “Best Image of the State of Qatar” Category: Ahmed Mohammed Hassan, “Tourism Content Creator of the Year” Category: Saud Al Kuwari – Shajdul.
The Smart and Sustainable Tourism category honors initiatives that aim to bring about a tremendous change in the tourism landscape in Qatar through innovative and environmentally friendly practices. They were as follows: Tourism Innovation Award Category: Haya, Accessibility Initiative of the Year Category: Asia Cup 2023, Leading Sustainable Tourism Facility Category: Msheireb Downtown Doha, Leading Environmentally Friendly Facility Category: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre.
The Community Leaders category honors outstanding individuals who inspire and contribute to creating positive change in the tourism scene in Qatar. The winners of this category for the year 2024 are: The category of leading personality in the field of tourism for this year: His Excellency Dr. Khaled Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation Katara, Category of Outstanding Personality in the Tourism Sector: Jassim Mohammed Al-Emadi, Vice Chairman of Al Hazm and CEO of McLaren, Lifetime Achievement Category: Hussein Al-Fardan, CEO of Al-Fardan Group.