The World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) reiterated its dedication to the Qatar Tourism Awards, citing the initiative’s key role in advancing industry excellence, service quality, and sustainable tourism development.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launch of the third edition of the awards, Jaime Mayaki, director of International Development and Co-operation at UN Tourism, said the partnership between the global agency and Qatar Tourism reflects a shared vision of promoting responsible, high-quality tourism.

“This award is a significant collaboration because, first and foremost, it values the key actors of the tourism sector in Qatar. We’re recognising those who are driving the industry forward, creating a culture of service excellence, raising standards, and delivering world-class customer experiences," Mayaki said.

He stressed that the impact of such efforts is already evident, noting that Qatar welcomed 1.5mn visitors in the first quarter of 2025 – a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rates have also jumped by 10%, reaching 77%, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a destination of choice.

“Qatar’s tourism sector is expanding at an exponential rate, and as the country diversifies its source markets, the need for tailoured customer service grows. This is where programmes like the Qatar Tourism Awards play a critical role – helping the industry adapt, learn from best practices, and build a community of excellence,” Mayaki pointed out.

The awards, organised by Qatar Tourism in strategic partnership with UN Tourism, aim to celebrate institutions and individuals who exemplify innovation, service quality, and sustainability. This year’s edition introduces two new subcategories: one honouring outstanding guest service professionals, and another recognising visionary hotel managers.

Mayaki stressed that the initiative merges seamlessly with UN Tourism’s global mandate to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. “Digital innovation and sustainability are key pillars, and these are values Qatar embraces as well. With climate change and other pressing global issues, we need to ensure that tourism growth aligns with sustainable development goals.”

He said sustainability is deeply embedded in the awards’ evaluation criteria, as he lauded Qatar’s focus on developing tourism products and services that meet global environmental and ethical standards.

“This is not just about recognition. It’s about creating a network of professionals committed to constant improvement where each winner becomes part of a growing alumni community that shares knowledge and raises the bar for the entire sector,” the UN Tourism pointed out.

He noted that the application period for the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards is now open and runs until August 7. Winners will join the newly launched Qatar Tourism Awards Winners Circle, aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and highlighting local success stories in tourism and hospitality.