Doha, Qatar - November 24, 2024 - Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2024, the region's premier travel and tourism exhibition, will officially open its doors today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The event runs until (Wednesday) November 27, 2024 and visitors are encouraged to register for free (via https://app.qtmqatar.com/index/registration.) The DECC is a convenient location for the event, because of its central location in the West Bay district of Doha, offering an array of transport options to enable guests to attend. Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, this year's event promises to be the most impactful edition yet, reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading global tourism destination.

Under the theme 'Discover Places, People and Cultures,' QTM 2024 brings together over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, offering an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and explore the latest trends in travel and tourism. The event is expected to welcome more than 12,000 visitors over the next three days, marking significant growth from previous years.

A key highlight of this year's event is the launch of the QTM B2B App, designed to enhance the visitor experience by providing easy access to exhibitor information, conference schedules, and personalized meeting planners. This digital innovation underscores QTM's commitment to facilitating meaningful connections and driving business growth. The app is available on iOS and Android platforms, offering a seamless way to navigate the event and maximize networking opportunities.

'QTM is a testament to Qatar's growing prominence as a world-class destination. This event marks another milestone in Qatar's journey to becoming a global leader in the tourism industry. Katara Hospitality is honoured to be a part of this journey, and we are committed in working together with our partners to shape the future of luxury tourism and hospitality in Qatar and beyond'' by Katara Hospitality.

Today, the inaugural day of the event will kick off with a series of insightful keynote speeches and panel discussions. Industry leaders and experts will share their perspectives on crucial topics such as sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and emerging travel trends. The opening panel, moderated by a renowned industry expert, focuses on 'The Future of Travel & Tourism: A Growing Positive Curve,' features prominent figures from Qatar Tourism, European Tourism Association, and leading academic institutions. Those looking to see the full agenda, can visit www.qtmqatar.com/ for more information.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the region's most influential travel and tourism event. With its focus on fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and exploring emerging trends such as sustainable tourism and experiential travel, QTM 2024 is poised to be a transformative event for all participants.

Qatar's tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth and transformation, positioning the country as a world-class destination. With a 24.5% increase in foreign visitors in August 2024 and a projected annual growth rate of 8.31% from 2024 to 2028, Qatar is rapidly becoming a global tourism powerhouse.[1] The country's commitment to diversifying its economy is evident in its substantial international tourism expenditure of US$16.5 billion in 2023, as well as local investment such as, the ambitious Simaisma Project, a US$5.5 billion entertainment-focused development. This mega-project, featuring luxury resorts, a theme park, and a golf course, showcases Qatar's vision for creating unparalleled visitor experiences on the waterfront on the nation's east coast.[2] As the travel and tourism market is expected to reach US$1,866 million by 2028[3], Qatar is not only attracting visitors from neighboring GCC countries but also establishing itself as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide, offering a perfect blend of cultural richness, modern attractions, and world-class hospitality.

Rawad Sleem, Co-founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs, and organizer of QTM, commented on the opening of Qatar Travel Mart 2024: 'We are immensely proud to inaugurate the third edition of Qatar Travel Mart today, where we expect to welcome an unprecedented array of global industry leaders and dignitaries. This event stands as a testament to Qatar's growing prominence in the international tourism landscape.'

He continued: 'QTM 2024 serves as a vital platform that not only showcases our nation's world-class hospitality but also aligns seamlessly with Qatar's National Vision 2030 (QNV2030). By bringing together key stakeholders, fostering innovation, and facilitating high-level networking, we are actively contributing to the economic diversification and sustainable development goals outlined in QNV2030. Our commitment goes beyond organizing an exhibition; we are shaping the future of Qatar's tourism industry and reinforcing its position as a premium global destination for business and leisure.'