The Qatar Travel Mart 2023 Commences With Involvement From More Than 60 Nations

QTM 2023 began with a notable inauguration on November 20, 2023

At the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Monday, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani inaugurated the second edition of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM), featuring over 50 exhibitors and 100 buyers from 60 countries.

Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023, themed ‘Discover Places, People, and Cultures,' provides an interactive platform for industry professionals to expand their knowledge, build connections, acknowledge excellence, and interact with global leaders in the travel and tourism sector.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of various dignitaries, including HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of the Qatari Hotels Association and Qatari Businessmen Association, and Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism, among over 100 prominent officials, ambassadors, and delegates from participating countries.

Regarding QTM 2023, al-Kharji highlighted Qatar’s continuous appeal to global travelers and expressed anticipation for showcasing the latest developments in the tourism industry, fostering collaboration with partners for sustained sectoral success and growth.

During the QTM 2023 conference, al-Kharji delivered a keynote speech centered on Qatar’s tourism advancements. Subsequent keynote addresses were presented by officials like Hissein Brahim Taha, the secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation; Prof Muzaffer Uysal, provost professor at the University of Massachusetts; and Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tourism Association.

Rawad Sleem, co-founder and general manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, organizers of QTM 2023, emphasized this year's significant expansion, promising growth, celebration of accomplishments, and a roadmap toward a sustainable tourism future post-World Cup through exclusive programs and a compelling agenda.

After the keynote speeches, Prof Wolfgang George Arlt, founder of Meaningful Tourism, moderated a panel discussion titled 'The Future of Travel & Tourism: A Growing Positive Curve.' The panel included notable figures like Mohamed al-Asmakh from Katara Hospitality, Philip Dickinson from Qatar Tourism, Tom Jenkins of the European Tourism Association, Chris Flynn from the World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage, and Prof Muzaffer Uysal from the University of Massachusetts.

Additionally, guest talks covered various topics: 'The 'Burgenstock Collection: A Sustainable Collection,' 'Certification's Crucial Role in the International Crisis Period,' 'Current Status and Future Predictions of Chinese Outbound Tourism,' and 'Korea Tourism: Riding The Korean Wave.'

Attendees had the chance to visit exhibition stands and explore QTM's Global Village, hosting 25 embassies. This village serves as a convergence point for diverse cultures, uniting different parts of the world under one roof to exhibit their heritage, traditions, and philosophies.