Gulf nationals’ interest for FIFA World Cup 2022 hospitality programme and offerings is expected to naturally increase following recent developments in the region, according to MATCH Hospitality executive chairman Jaime Byrom.

“We have always hoped for very strong interest in our hospitality programme from Qatar’s neighbouring countries especially as this is the first FIFA World Cup in history to be staged in the Middle East region,” he told 'Gulf Times'.

Byrom noted that MATCH, the worldwide exclusive rights holder of the FIFA Hospitality Programme, appointed an exclusive sales agent in the UAE and Lebanon while advanced discussions with other potential partners across the rest of the GCC member states are underway.

In a recent virtual press conference, Byrom announced that pre-sales for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 hospitality programme had reached $90mn, describing it “record-breaking” and surpassing what it achieved in the first month of sales for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. He said the tournament in Qatar next year will be unique and special in many aspects, particularly its hospitality programme and offerings.

“The contrast between the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia (which was our last World Cup operation) and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 could hardly be greater,” Byrom said. “From the world’s largest country (17mn sq km), a land of diversity, multiple cultures and 11 host cities, to the smallest ever FIFA World Cup host country and the first Middle Eastern nation to host the event.”

He noted that Qatar promises to deliver an amazing tournament that will capitalise on its principally unique attributes, namely:

• Close proximity: the eight stadiums are all located in or within a short driving distance of Doha allowing fans to attend more than one game per day.

•Planning certainty: fans can plan as of today where they will stay.

•Cost-efficiency: compared to previous FWCs the close proximity of all venues will help fans avoid incremental costs for inter-venue travel and multi-venue accommodation.

•A fascinating region with unique attractions.

•Spectacular state-of-the-art stadiums.

•State-of-the-art transport infrastructure; and

•Traditional Arabic hospitality.

 

Byrom lauded the efforts of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) in its overall preparations for the prestigious tournament. “Having witnessed the preparations and infrastructure being built in Qatar, along with the efforts being made by SC and the State of Qatar to ensure a warm welcome for fans from around the world, I am convinced that Qatar truly promises to host a FIFA World Cup like no other that has come before,” he said.

“The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a unique opportunity for football fans to experience a new culture, a new region and a new way to experience football matches and we have already witnessed a very strong international response to our global sales agents ITT, which has indicated an unwavering interest in the FIFA World Cup despite the challenges faced over the past 10 months,” Byrom added.

About dealing with the challenges and impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the hospitality sector and MATCH’s programme for the 2022 tournament, he said their planning remains on schedule and are “committed to work within whatever guidelines and regulations implemented by SC, FIFA and Qatar in order to deliver a safe environment for all.”