Qatar Tourism Authority welcomed the global MICE industry at EIBTM 2013

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) led a delegation of sixteen Qatari ministries, companies and organizations to EIBTM, the Global Meetings & Events Expo, the leading global event for the meeting, incentive, conferences, events (MICE) and business travel industry. EIBTM took place at the Fira Gran Via conference centre in Barcelona, Spain from 19 to 21 November, gathering 15,000 MICE industry professional from around the world.

At the world’s leading MICE and business trade show, Qatar was represented by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Katara, Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI), Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), and Qatar Airways, in addition to a range of tour operators and hotels: Gulf Adventures Tourism, Regency Travel & Tours, Qatar International Adventures, Fraser Suites Doha, Sharq Village & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Crown Plaza Doha – The Business Park, InterContinental Doha – The City, Doha Marriott Hotel, and Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel.

Participation at EIBTM is one of QTA’s many initiatives to position and promote Qatar as a leading world-class events destination for the MICE sector. As Qatar gains a growing reputation for quality and excellenceacross different sectors, QTA is driving the development of world-classevents and the supporting infrastructure needed for exhibitions, events and business tourism. The country has proven its ability to successfully host international world scale events, rapidly earning a reputation as the region’s hub for business, conferences and exhibitions with its world-classfacilities and leisure amenities.Qatar was the proud host, last December for COP18, the United Nations Climate Change Conference at the QNCC.

“Qatar is unique as it offers not only the excitement of Doha as a city destination, but also the charm that can only be found in anauthentic Middle East setting. A combination of world class hotels, a prime convention center and excellent accessibility makes Qatar an ideal destination for MICEtravel,” said Hamad Al Abdan, QTA Director of Exhibitions.

Besides the ideal conditions and impressivefacilities for business travelers, Qatar has a fascinating cultural heritage, splendid landmarks, 563 km of sandy coastline, museums hosting some of the region’s most impressive art collections, and an array of world-leading sports events.

“Besides all the facilities on offer, in terms of accommodation, venues and transportation, Qatar presents meeting planners a business-oriented location combined with an exciting mix of leisure activities set alongside a rich cultural heritage, ” added Al Abdan.

Staged annually in Barcelona, EIBTM is the leading global event for the meetings, incentives, events and business travel industry. The event delivers three days of focused access to a dynamic business environment, thought provoking professional education and business networks for all attendees.

Over the third quarter 2013, Qatar experienced increased tourism across all sectors. GCC visitors increased by 16.6% over the same period 2012, and international tourists increased by 7%. QTA has an important role to play in developing a sustainable tourism sector in Qatar so that tourism becomes a significant factor as a part of the national economy.