Minister inaugurates hospitality exhibition

The Minister of Economy and Commerce, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, inaugurated the three-day Hospitality Qatar 2016 yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and toured different pavilions at the event, participated by more than 10 countries and hundreds of exhibitors and brands.
“We have witnessed during the past few years the development of tourism and hospitality sectors. That development was driven by the huge interest that the State of Qatar has expressed towards this sector, and that was reflected in the National Strategy for the Tourism sector 2030,” Sheikh Ahmed said in a press statement.
“The strategy was set to be adapted as a road map towards developing the tourism industry during the next decades, and transforming Qatar into an international touristic destination proud of its cultural roots,” the minister noted, confirming that “the hospitality and tourism sector represents one of the basics of the Qatari economy.”
Described as a “high profile expo,” Hospitality Qatar gives suppliers, hoteliers, Horeca (hotel/restaurant/cafe) suppliers, buyers, and investors an opportunity to showcase their newest products, technological advancements, and exchange expertise with professionals in the hospitality sector.
Al Sraiya Holding Group vice chairman Rashed Nassir Sraiya al-Kaabi reiterated that the exhibition features all aspects of the hotel and franchise market in the Gulf region.
He noted that Hospitality Qatar achieved its aim of providing regional and international agents, dealers, and buyers a chance to network in a fitting and professional environment.
IFP Qatar general manager George Ayache stressed that the event’s success was due to the continuous support of the government, “which played a major role in putting together this memorable event.”
“During its two editions, the exhibition proved its role as Qatar’s leading hospitality exhibition, bringing together a large number of local, regional and international decision makers and industry professionals,” he said in a press statement.
Ayache added that this year’s edition, organised by IFP Qatar and authorised by Qatar Tourism Authority, also provides an opportunity for hospitality and hotels, restaurants, and cafe professionals to explore the Qatari market.
The event has attracted a record level of interest and participation from across the industry and some of the hospitality-related disciplines present at this year’s show include retail investors and businesspersons.
This year’s exhibition will also feature B2B matchmaking platform, product demonstration, and a series of certified workshops.  
Workshops set from 3pm to 7pm today include Qatar’s hotel and tourism market overview, (Tri Consulting hotels, leisure, and real estate); GSAS and Green Hotels (Gulf Organisation for Research and Development); main role of the hospitality industry in the process of achieving the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (Qatar Tourism Authority); Challenges and opportunities for hotels in Qatar to become more sustainable; and cooking with Micheline starred Chef/WACS World association of Chefs Societies Judging seminar (Qatar Culinary professionals).
Salon Culinaire is also in full-swing with more than 250 chefs and sculptors competing to receive top honours in one of the 17 categories.
Hospitality Qatar also plays a major role in enhancing the role of Qatar, as the country emerges as a major player in the hospitality investment market in the Mena region.