Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2024, the region's premier travel and tourism exhibition, opened at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday (Nov 25), promising to be the largest and most impactful edition yet, and reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading global tourism destination.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the landmark event was inaugurated by Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry in Qatar (MoCI), and Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, as Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar.

The inaugural ceremony, attended by ambassadors and key officials, was followed by an exclusive tour of the QTM's Global Village that allowed visitors to explore prominent exhibits and national showcases.

Al 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, said: "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 sq m area, 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.”

"Innovating the Future: Sustainability, Technology, and Skill Development in Tourism’ will take centre stage at the event, which will feature presentations and panel discussions chaired by Prof. Joanne Schroeder from Vancouver Island University and World Leisure Organization Chair.

Prof. Schroeder is a leading expert in community engagement and sustainable leisure. She is also the first female Chair of the World Leisure Organization (WLO) Board, where she brings together theory and practice to address social challenges and improve lives through leisure services.

QTM 2024 will present a spectrum of topics under the theme, "Discover Places, People and Cultures”, including seven dedicated product sectors: business, leisure, luxury, medical, culture, sports, and halal tourism.

Participants can learn, engage and network via a series of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops led by industry experts, focusing on crucial topics such as sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and emerging travel trends.

QTM 2024, which will run till November 27, brings together over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, offering an crucial platform for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and explore the latest trends in travel and tourism. – TradeArabia News Service