A dedicated Qatar Pavilion will be hosted at this year’s Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), a Reed Travel Exhibitions event.
The Qatar Pavilion will include key exhibitors from the country, who will showcase the growing opportunities and facilities related to the Qatari meetings industry at GIBTM, held on March 26-28.
Since winning the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup last year, Qatar’s events industry has been under the spotlight with increased numbers in tourism investment and infrastructure. The country’s MICE industry has developed over the last few years with the addition of conference centres such as the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which has a capacity of 40,000m². QNCC will be part of the Qatar Pavilion at GIBTM.
“Qatar is one of the most vibrant economies in the world and is fast becoming a business destination of choice,” said director of business development, QNCC, Trevor McCartney.
“By taking part in GIBTM we aim to educate regional and international meeting planners on the world-class events spaces that Qatar has to offer, in addition to the rich cultural heritage and warm welcome,” added McCartney.
The Qatar Pavilion at GIBTM will host a range of exhibitors including Qatar Airways, Doha Marriot Hotel, Mövenpick Towers and Suites Doha, Swiss-Belhotel Doha, Qatar International Tours, Qatar International Adventures, Retaj Hotels & Hospitality, W Doha Hotel & Residence, QMDI - Qatar MICE Development Institute and Renaissance Hotels.
Qatar will invest $20-25 billion in tourism infrastructure by 2022 and the MICE industry is a key element in Qatar’s plans for diversification, expansion and development. The government has allocated $11 billion on a new international airport and a $5.5 billion on a deepwater seaport.
Qatar Airways is currently supporting the meetings industry through Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, by offering a variety of short holiday breaks that have been especially packaged and priced for congress and exhibition participants.
Reed travel exhibitions manager, GIBTM, Lois Hall said: “For the first time GIBTM will showcase a dedicated Qatar pavilion where visitors and hosted buyers alike can have an insight on the country’s recent developments.”