The third edition of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2024, held from November 25-27 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), has concluded with resounding success, solidifying its position as a premier event in the global travel and tourism industry. The event, organized by NeXTfairs under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, attracted over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries and welcomed more than 10,678 visitors, making it one of the region’s most impactful travel and tourism events.
The prestigious QTM 2024 event was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani, Qatar’s 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 and Nasser Matar AlKawari, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality. The grand opening was also attended by prominent figures including H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar; H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, Chairman of Al Faisal Holding; and Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar. The event also saw the presence of esteemed ambassadors and dignitaries from various countries, including H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Setri of Morocco, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Bin Ali Al Ghatam of Bahrain, H.E. Mr. Shane Flanagan, Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Mrs. Erika Bernhard, Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Mr. Paolo Toschi, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Satoshi Maeda, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Daniel Tănase, Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Jose Rafael Aguero Avila, Charge d’Affaires of Paraguay, H.E. Dr. Marcelo Gerona Morales, Ambassador of Uruguay, Mr. Juan Martin Benavides, Consul of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Drago Lovric, Ambassador of Croatia, and H.E. Mr. Md Nazrul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh.
QTM 2024 showcased an impressive array of tourism offerings through an expanded exhibition space of 15,000 square meters providing ample room for networking and business development. Through a variety of engaging platforms exhibitors, speakers, and attendees were immersed into the future of tourism and its latest innovations across seven dedicated sectors, including; Business, Leisure, Luxury, Medical, Cultural, Sports, and Halal Tourism. Key features of the event included; a Global Village showcasing cultural experiences from around the world; a Hosted Buyers Programme connecting exhibitors with industry decision-makers; and, B2B Matchmaking Sessions fostering direct engagement and collaboration.
The conference portion of QTM 2024 focused on three distinct themes; ‘Meaningful Experiences: Highlighting cultural heritage and experiential tourism;’ the ‘Future of Travel: Exploring innovations in sustainability, technology, and skill development;’ and, ‘Sports and Health: Examining the growing sectors of health, wellness, and sports tourism.’ These discussions underscored the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices, technological integration, and the rising demand for authentic, culturally rich experiences.
The event featured a diverse range of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and exhibition showcases that brought together industry leaders and professionals to share insights and discuss the future of travel and tourism. Key takeaways included emerging trends in sustainable tourism, technological advancements, and cultural tourism, with Qatar positioned as a leader in these areas.
Furthermore, the exhibition provided a platform for international and local exhibitors to showcase their products and services, offering innovative tourism solutions and forging meaningful business partnerships.
The pre-activation event for QTM 2024, was held at the luxurious Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, and a set the stage for what promises to be a landmark year for the event. This exclusive networking gathering brought together 150 distinguished invitees, including representatives from Katara Hospitality, Visit Qatar, and hosted buyers. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the stunning Hilton resort, an international lunch, and breathtaking sunset views. The evening culminated with a networking session at the Royal Villa, where guests experienced the rich tapestry of Qatari culture through traditional elements such as the majlis, henna artists, and camel interactions, alongside various entertainment offerings.
Building on this momentum, and held at the prestigious Raffles Hotel in Doha, the VIP reception of QTM 2024 celebrated the remarkable efforts of tourism authorities focused on enhancing visitor experiences, as well as exhibitors committed to enriching attendee engagements. The event was attended by distinguished representatives from organizations including Visit Qatar, Katara Hospitality, WLO, WTACH, as well as the embassies of Morocco, Korea, and Thailand.
The event’s success was bolstered by key partnerships, including; ‘Strategic Partner: Visit Qatar’; ‘Founding Partner: Katara Hospitality’; and, ‘Title Sponsor: Visit Morocco’. These collaborations played a crucial role in elevating QTM 2024’s global profile and fostering international cooperation in the tourism sector.
Katara Hospitality, as a ‘Founding Partner’, also played a pivotal role in showcasing Qatar’s luxury tourism offerings, including exclusive stays at world-class properties, high-end dining experiences, and luxury amenities, through their iconic properties and culturally immersive experiences. They also emphasized Qatar’s cultural heritage by presenting unique Qatari hospitality experiences.
“Katara Hospitality has achieved another year of success at QTM, and made significant strides in promoting Qatar as a world-class destination and leading hub for tourism and hospitality industry. We are full of pride and gratitude to all of the partners, exhibitors, and attendees of this year’s stellar event, as we continue to elevate Qatar’s position on the global stage.’’
They continued: “Building on this year’s success, plans for the 4th edition of QTM are already underway, where the organizers aim to further expand the event’s international reach, introduce new themes, and strengthen Qatar’s position as a leader in tourism innovation.” By Katara Hospitality.
Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs, the organizers of QTM, commented on the event’s success: “QTM 2024 has exceeded our expectations and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and guests, who make this event the pivotal platform in catapulting the tourism industry forward. This year’s success and expansion showcases why QTM has become a milestone event in the global industry’s calendar, and a stage to illustrate Qatar’s unparalleled hospitality and dedication to excellence in the travel sector. We are committed to driving progress, shaping the future of the industry, and contributing significantly to Qatar’s National Vision 2030, wheretourism plays an important role in its success.”
QTM 2024 has not only highlighted Qatar’s growing importance as a global tourism destination but has also reinforced its alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV20230). As the country aims to attract 7 million visitors by 2030, events like QTM play a crucial role in fostering business opportunities, knowledge exchange, and global partnerships in the tourism sector.
The success of QTM 2024 marks a significant moment in Qatar’s journey towards becoming a leading hub for global tourism, blending cultural heritage, contemporary attractions, and innovative practices to shape the future of travel.
To learn more about QTM 2025 and how you can be part of an even bigger event, with greater international participation, visit QTM’s website https://www.qtmqatar.com/.
