Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2024, the region’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, opened its doors at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday.
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, this year’s event is the largest and most impactful edition yet, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
QTM 2024 will run until Wednesday, November 27 and visitors are encouraged to register via the free onlineregistration form: https://app.qtmqatar.com/index/registration.
The landmark event was inaugurated by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani and Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, in the presence of distinguished personalities such as State Minister HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Chairman of Al Faisal Holding HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, and CEO of Visit Qatar Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi.
The opening ceremony drew VIPs, Ambassador of Morocco to Qatar HE Mohamed Setri, Ambassador of Bahrain to Qatar HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Ghatam, Ambassador of Australia to Qatar HE Shane Flanagan, Ambassador of Austria to Qatar HE Erika Bernhard, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar HE Paolo Toschi, and Ambassador of Japan to Qatar HE Satoshi Maeda.
Other distinguished guests included Ambassador of Romania to Qatar HE Daniel Tănase, Charge D’Affairs of Paraguay to Qatar HE Jose Rafael Aguero Avila, Ambassador of Uruguay to Qatar HE Dr Marcelo Gerona Morales, Consul of Uruguay to Qatar Juan Martin Benavides, Ambassador of Croatia to Qatar HE Drago Lovric, and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar HE Md Nazrul Islam.
After the inaugural ceremonies, distinguished guests embarked on an exclusive tour of the QTM’s Global Village, exploring prominent exhibits and national showcases, officially launching this extraordinary event.
In his speech, Kharji said, “The Qatar Travel Mart 2024 marks a strategic milestone in our ongoing efforts to position Qatar as a leading global tourism hub. This event not only underscores the growth and potential of our tourism sector but also serves as an important platform for fostering key partnerships, driving innovation, and advancing sustainable tourism initiatives that align with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Through this exhibition, we aim to showcase Qatar’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, offering a compelling destination for travellers and industry leaders alike.”
Speaking about Qatar Travel Mart 2024, Rawad Sleem, co-founder and general manager of NeXTfairs, the organisers of QTM, stated: “We are thrilled to open QTM 2024, which represents a milestone in Qatar’s journey to become a global tourism hub. This year’s expanded event, covering 15,000 square metres, reflects the rapid growth of Qatar’s tourism sector and its increasing importance on the world stage.
“QTM 2024 is not just an exhibition; it’s a catalyst for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth in the travel industry, aligning perfectly with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. This is clear to see with the support of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the presence of many distinguished guests here today.”
