Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2024, the region’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, opened its doors yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, QTM 2024 is set to be the largest and most impactful edition yet. This year’s event is more than just a showcase of Qatar’s tourism offerings—it is a testament to the country’s growing stature as a global tourism destination. The exhibition runs until November 27, with free online registration available for attendees.

QTM 2024 was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar. Their speeches highlighted Qatar’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a key global tourism hub in alignment with the National Vision 2030. Distinguished figures, including government officials, ambassadors, and industry leaders, attended the opening ceremony, marking the event’s significance on both a regional and international scale.

A Powerful Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of QTM 2024 brought together a diverse group of dignitaries, including ambassadors from Morocco, Bahrain, Australia, Austria, Italy, Japan, Romania, Paraguay, Uruguay, Croatia, and Bangladesh. The presence of these international guests reinforced the event’s global importance and underscored Qatar’s efforts to attract international tourism and foster strategic partnerships.

After the inaugural speeches and ribbon-cutting, the distinguished guests were taken on an exclusive tour of QTM’s Global Village. The Global Village is one of the exhibition’s main highlights, showcasing national pavilions and prominent tourism exhibits. These exhibits highlight the diverse cultural offerings of Qatar and other countries participating in the event.

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Showcasing Qatar’s Tourism Potential

His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji emphasized that QTM 2024 is a strategic milestone in Qatar’s mission to become a leading global tourism hub. He discussed Qatar’s diverse offerings, from its rich heritage and culture to its modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. He also highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and promoting its tourism sector in a way that aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Rawad Sleem, Co-founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs, the event organizers, expressed his excitement about QTM 2024, noting that this year’s expanded event, spanning 15,000 square meters, reflects the rapid growth of Qatar’s tourism sector. He also highlighted the role of QTM as a platform for fostering innovation, forming new partnerships, and advancing sustainable tourism practices. According to Sleem, the event serves as a catalyst for the country’s broader vision of tourism diversification and sustainable development.

Fostering Innovation and Partnerships

The second day of QTM 2024 (November 26) is dedicated to exploring the theme “Innovating the Future: Sustainability, Technology, and Skill Development in Tourism.” Chaired by Prof. Joanne Schroeder from Vancouver Island University and World Leisure Organization Chair, this day will feature cutting-edge discussions and panel presentations on how the tourism industry can embrace technology, sustainability, and skill development.

Prof. Schroeder is known for her expertise in community engagement and sustainable leisure, and her leadership in the World Leisure Organization (WLO) Board brings both theoretical and practical insights to the event. Her session is expected to provide valuable perspectives on how tourism can evolve to address social challenges, promote sustainable growth, and leverage technology for future development.

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Key Themes and Product Sectors

QTM 2024 is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of tourism interests. The event is divided into seven dedicated product sectors: Business, Leisure, Luxury, Medical, Cultural, Sports, and Halal Tourism. These sectors offer tailored sessions, discussions, and workshops that will delve into emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the growing demand for sustainable tourism solutions.

The business sector will focus on opportunities for travel professionals to network and explore new business ventures. The leisure and luxury sectors will highlight Qatar’s world-class tourism offerings, including luxury resorts, wellness experiences, and exclusive cultural tours. The medical tourism sector will focus on Qatar’s growing medical tourism industry, offering insights into health and wellness tourism and the country’s infrastructure for medical travelers. The cultural and sports tourism sectors will highlight Qatar’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and its role as a global destination for sporting events.

Halal tourism, a growing segment in the global tourism market, will also be a key focus. Qatar, with its Islamic heritage and world-class facilities, is positioning itself as a key destination for Muslim travelers, offering halal-friendly services and experiences.

Global Participation and Networking Opportunities

With over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, QTM 2024 is set to be a key event for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and discover the latest trends in the travel and tourism sectors. The event’s large scale and international reach ensure that it will be an important venue for forming partnerships, exploring new markets, and exchanging knowledge on the latest developments in the tourism industry.

QTM 2024 will feature exhibitors from a wide range of industries, including airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and travel technology companies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with key players in the industry, explore new products and services, and gain insights into the future of tourism.

A Platform for Sustainability and Experiential Travel

One of the key focuses of QTM 2024 is sustainability. As the world’s tourism industry continues to face challenges related to climate change, over-tourism, and environmental sustainability, Qatar has emerged as a leader in promoting responsible tourism practices. At QTM 2024, industry leaders will share best practices for sustainable tourism, and exhibitors will showcase eco-friendly products, services, and initiatives.

Experiential travel is another growing trend, and QTM 2024 will provide ample opportunities for attendees to explore immersive travel experiences. From luxury travel to adventure tourism, experiential travel focuses on creating meaningful and authentic experiences that connect travelers with the local culture, environment, and people.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of QTM and Qatar’s Tourism Sector

As QTM 2024 continues through the week, the event will feature additional workshops, presentations, and networking sessions aimed at shaping the future of the tourism industry. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, QTM 2024 is expected to play a significant role in advancing Qatar’s tourism ambitions and reinforcing its position as a leading destination in the global travel market.

QTM 2024 marks a key moment in the development of Qatar’s tourism sector, providing a platform for industry professionals to explore new opportunities, build partnerships, and engage with the latest trends. With Qatar’s growing infrastructure, diverse cultural offerings, and commitment to sustainability, the country is well on its way to achieving its ambitious tourism goals. QTM 2024 has set the stage for Qatar’s tourism sector to continue its growth and innovation, attracting visitors and industry professionals from around the world.

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