IAAF 2019 has enhanced Qatar’s image as global sports destination

The successful hosting of the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships has further enhanced the image of Qatar across the world as a safe and secure tourist destination with a lot to offer for different visitors. Mashhoor al-Refai, general manager of Concorde Hotel Doha, said that the success of this event has given a clear image on the readiness of the country to organise grander events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Besides, the 2019 IAAF was accompanied by various tourist and recreation activities that introduced the guests to various destination of the country. It helped to further introduce the great culture, sports and tourist potentials of the country to the world. He said that some hotels in the country experienced almost 100% occupancy rate during for 20 days around the duration of the event. In addition to tourism and sports, he saw the event as an excellent opportunity for foreigners from different world countries to explore the multiple business opportunities in different sectors across the country.  Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian congratulated Qatar for the splendid Doha IAAF World Championships. He said that “this sports gala has greatly promoted the development of international sports, and fostered deep friendship between Qatar and rest of the world, including the Chinese people. It has also shown to the world Qatar’s national image, which is an impressive warm-up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” He pointed out that “at this year’s IAAF Championship, the Chinese delegation was one of the largest, with more than 100 athletes participating. They fought hard and have won gratifying results and friendship. Their achievements have boosted the development of Chinese athletics, and contributed the exchanges and friendship between our two peoples. We hope to work closely with our Qatari friends in the future, to strengthen co-operation in the field of sports, so as to deepen our strategic ties.”Vietnamese ambassador Nguyen Dinh Thao stressed that “Doha has become a popular destination for key sports events, making the country a household name among young people around the world.”He said that “the successful organisation of the recently concluded 2019 IAAF Championships has further enhanced the good reputation of the country regarding its capabilities to organise large-scale global sporting events. It also gives preliminary indications on the expected magnificent performance of Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”The envoy expected that “the attractive destination of Qatar would further draw more foreign businesses and tourists to come and explore the country. The stability and security prevalent in Qatar has become well-known worldwide and its success at these sporting events helps to contribute to the overall stability of the whole region.”The ambassador expressed his wish that, “Vietnam is also keen to maintain higher levels of bilateral co-operation with Qatar on all levels, including in cultural and sports fields.”