The successful hosting of 456 Italian delegates in Doha highlights the ‘exceptional growth’ of Qatar’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, an industry expert has said. Sreekanth Menon, the general manager of popular online travel portal Musafir.com, told Gulf Times that the convention, held at one of Doha’s premier venues recently, highlighted Qatar’s capacity to handle large-scale professional events.
He cited cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless service, and logistical precision as key factors in the event’s success.
“Qatar is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Our ability to offer state-of-the-art infrastructure alongside deeply enriching cultural experiences makes us a compelling destination for MICE travellers. “Hosting 456 distinguished guests from Italy is a proud achievement, showcasing Qatar’s potential on the global MICE stage,” Menon said.
According to Menon, the delegates from Italy visited Doha for a high-profile international convention, and took part in a rich cultural immersion programme. The guests also enjoyed a meticulously designed itinerary that combined business excellence with authentic Qatari experiences.
He expressed confidence that with continued collaboration and investment, Qatar is poised to emerge as a premier international hub for conventions and incentive travel.
Menon said the Italian delegation explored Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, joining a thrilling desert safari, offering them a taste of the golden dunes and traditional Bedouin hospitality. “They were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Souq Waqif, exploring its bustling marketplace, traditional crafts, spices, and local street life”.
He added that the cultural journey continued with a curated tour of Msheireb Museums, located in Doha’s heritage district. The museums presented an inspiring narrative of Qatar’s transformation from a pearl-diving economy to a modern global player—an experience many guests described as deeply educational and emotionally engaging.
Menon lauded the key role of Qatar Tourism, crediting its ongoing efforts in attracting an increasing number of international visitors. He pointed out that Visit Qatar has been actively promoting the country’s MICE capabilities on the global stage.
As part of its strategic outreach, he said Visit Qatar led a delegation to IMEX Frankfurt 2025, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for the meetings and events industry.
At IMEX, Menon noted that Visit Qatar and its partners showcased diverse offerings, ranging from luxury hospitality and cutting-edge event venues to tailored cultural and leisure programmes designed for global business travellers.
He added that Visit Qatar also engaged with international buyers, industry stakeholders, and event planners, reinforcing the message that Qatar is ready and equipped to host events of any scale with excellence and authenticity. He described the response from the international community as overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the country’s rising stature as a MICE destination.