Hanane Djoua
Doha
Under the esteemed patronage of Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, the ninth edition of Hospitality Qatar was inaugurated by Omar Al Jaber, acting director of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism.
Organised by IFP Qatar, the event is being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from November 12 to 14.
The opening ceremony saw attendance from key figures, including Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Confederation of Tourism in Morocco, as well as ambassadors and dignitaries from various countries.
Jaber expressed Qatar Tourism’s pride in supporting Hospitality Qatar 2024.
He described the event as an essential platform showcasing the latest advancements in tourism and hospitality, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier global tourist destination, stressing that the ninth edition of Hospitality Qatar aligns with the nation’s strategic vision of economic diversification, a central pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.
"The significant development Qatar has seen in infrastructure and hospitality facilities is no coincidence; it is the result of a strategic vision,” Jaber said, emphasising the value of hosting international events to propel growth in the tourism sector.
The opening day concluded with the "Ambassadors of Excellence” awards, organised by Qatar Tourism and IFP Qatar, recognising the commitment of senior professionals within Qatar’s hospitality industry. The honourees received certificates and plaques for their outstanding service, exemplifying the high standards driving Qatar’s success in the tourism field.
Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, provided insight into the magnitude of Hospitality Qatar, describing it as the nation’s top international trade exhibition for hospitality and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and cafes).
He added that this year’s edition brings together over 120 suppliers from more than 20 countries, representing a broad spectrum of the hospitality, tourism, and F&B sectors.
According to Mshaimesh, the event’s agenda features conferences, training sessions, and competitions tailored for HORECA, including the Salon Culinaire, where over 175 chefs from top Doha hotels are competing across 20 categories.
A hallmark of this year’s event is the B2B Matchmaking Programme, providing a dedicated space for industry leaders to connect with potential buyers and investors. The programme aims to foster new partnerships and investment opportunities, reflecting Qatar’s thriving hospitality sector amid a record tourism boom. With four million visitors arriving in Qatar in the first nine months of 2024 alone — a 26 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023 — the country’s hospitality landscape is witnessing unprecedented growth.
The event also highlights Qatar’s international collaborations, notably with Morocco, as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture.
A Moroccan pavilion, featuring senior officials and led by Hamid Bentahar, showcases Morocco’s dynamic public and private sectors within tourism and hospitality, enhancing the cross-cultural exchange between the two nations.
A recent report from Alpen Capital foresees Qatar’s hospitality revenue growing at the highest rate in the GCC, projected to increase from QR3.64 billion in 2024 to QR5.46 billion by 2028. This impressive growth is bolstered by Qatar’s strategic visa initiatives, including streamlined visa processes and the re-launch of the Hayya platform in 2023, providing tourists and corporate visitors a seamless gateway to the country.