The Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition QTM 2024, the first travel and tourism exhibition in the region, officially opened its doors yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This year’s edition is the largest and most influential edition to date, strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading global tourist destination. QTM 2024 continues until Wednesday, November 27.
This exceptional international event was officially opened by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Trade and Industry, and His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar.
The unique blend of tradition and modernity
His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “The Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition 2024 represents an important turning point in the ongoing efforts to enhance Qatar’s position as a leading tourism center in the world. In addition to highlighting the growth and opportunities available in the tourism sector, the exhibition represents an important platform for strengthening partnerships, promoting innovation, and developing sustainable tourism initiatives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this exhibition, we aim to highlight the unique blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes the country. Qatar, and presenting it as a distinguished destination for visitors and sector leaders alike.”
The rapid growth of the tourism sector
Speaking about the Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition QTM 2024, Mr. Rawad Saleem, co-founder and general manager of Next Fairs Exhibitions and Conferences, said: “We are pleased to open the QTM 2024 exhibition, which represents a milestone in Qatar’s exceptional journey to become a global tourism center. This year’s expanded edition, which extends over an area of 15,000 square metres; The rapid growth of the tourism sector in Qatar and its growing importance on the global stage. QTM 2024 is not just an exhibition; Rather, it is a leading platform to stimulate and promote innovation, partnerships and sustainable growth in the travel industry, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
He added: This year’s edition shines under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the generous support and presence of His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Trade and Industry, and His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Tourism and all… Honorable presence.
The opening ceremony was hosted by a number of dignitaries, including His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of State with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister; His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Faisal Holding Group; And Engineer Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar. In addition, the opening ceremony was attended by a group of ambassadors to the State of Qatar, including His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Stri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco; His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Ghatam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain; His Excellency Mr. Shane Flanagan, Ambassador of Australia; Her Excellency Ms. Erika Bernhard, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; His Excellency Mr. Paolo Tocci, Ambassador of Italy; His Excellency Mr. Satoshi Maeda, Ambassador of Japan; His Excellency Mr. Daniel Tanasi, Ambassador of Romania; His Excellency Mr. José Rafael Aguero Avila, Chargé d’Affaires of the Paraguayan Embassy; His Excellency Dr. Marcelo Girona Morales, Ambassador of Uruguay; Mr. Juan Martín Benavidas, Consul of Uruguay to Qatar; His Excellency Mr. Drago Lovric, Ambassador of Croatia; His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Ambassador of the Republic of Bangladesh. After the end of the opening ceremony, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony; VIPs embarked on an exclusive tour of QTM’s Global Village to explore the exhibition’s iconic landmarks and international pavilions, officially launching this exceptional event.
After the successful opening of QTM 2024, the event continues its second day with the same momentum and enthusiasm and continues its conference days under the prominent title of “Innovating the Future: Sustainability, Technology and Skills Development in Tourism,” headed by Professor Joan Schroeder from Vancouver Island University and President of the World Entertainment Organization.
Presentations and panel discussions
The day’s events include important presentations and panel discussions examining the latest innovations shaping the tourism industry. With over 20 years of experience, Professor Schroeder is an industry leader in the field of community engagement and sustainable leisure. Professor Schroeder is also the first woman to chair the Board of Directors of the World Leisure Organization (WLO), where her expertise combines theory and practice to address social challenges and improve lives through entertainment services.
During the next two days of QTM 2024, attendees will be able to enjoy exploring a number of important topics, under the slogan “Discover Places, Peoples and Cultures,” including seven specialized sectors: medical tourism, business, entertainment, luxury, culture, sports and halal tourism. Attendees will also have an exceptional opportunity to learn, engage and network through a series of panel discussions, keynotes and workshops led by industry experts, focusing on critical key topics such as sustainable tourism, digital transformation and emerging travel trends.
QTM 2024 brings together more than 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, providing an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to network, collaborate and explore the latest trends in travel and tourism. With its focus on strengthening partnerships, exchanging knowledge and exploring emerging trends such as sustainable tourism and experiential travel, QTM 2024 is poised to be an exceptional and unparalleled event.