With sales exceeding QR3mn in the first four days of Shop Qatar festival, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has expressed confidence that the numbers will further increase in the coming days.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Mall of Qatar, QTA’s public relations and communication director Saif al-Kuwari said they have seen “very encouraging numbers” since the month-long festival started on January 7.

“This is according to the coupons that were given out (for the raffle draw) and in exchange for receipts,” he explained.

Shoppers need to spend at least QR200 at any of the participating retailers to get a raffle coupon for the draws and the QR1mn mega draw. The first raffle draw is on Thursday.

QTA also expects a large number of visitors from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, which has been its largest source market so far.

Al-Kuwari said they have been working closely with the public and private sectors to provide residents and visitors a unique shopping experience in Qatar this winter season, in time for the holidays in these GCC countries.

QTA also activated pop up stores at various participating malls aimed at promoting and supporting local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Al-Kuwari pointed out that Shop Qatar and other similar events serve as a platform to showcase both unique products and creativity of local entrepreneurs.

Maryam al-Sulaiti, owner of Kaafe Chocolatier, said she is honoured to be chosen by QTA to showcase and sell her ‘hand-made’ products at the festival.

She lauded QTA for continuously supporting SMEs in Qatar grow their business in many ways possible.

“They help expand our work, they are supporting small business and industries here, and not only in this festival but also in other events as well such as the annual Qatar International Food Festival,” she added.

Many Qataris are also surprised to know what SMEs in the country now do and offer, according to the female entrepreneur.

Operating for more than five years now, Kaafe started selling its products online and later opened its first shop around three years ago.

Kaafe sells Arabic chocolate, a mix of raw Belgian chocolate and Arabic ingredients to produce a unique taste different from other chocolates in the market.

“This is unique and we are not in mass production, our products are handmade, and this is an added value for the concept because we can customise the flavor and colour of the chocolate for a particular theme such as a party or wedding,” al-Sulaiti explained.

Sharing her tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, she said continuity and uniqueness are two takeaways.

“If you are not presenting something different, you will not be able to compete, and you will not be able to continue,” she stressed.

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