The successful staging of major sports events like the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup has triggered a “positive economic impact,” especially among stakeholders in Qatar's private sector, a top Qatar Chamber official has said.
Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari stressed that hosting sporting events not only puts the country under the international spotlight but also attracts many tourists, creating a ‘trickledown effect’ on the local economy.
“There is a lot of movement seen in different sectors in the country, such as hospitality, travel and tourism, services, transportation, food and beverage (F&B), commercial and retail, and even contracting services, among others because of the influx of many visitors who will watch these events,” al-Kuwari told Gulf Times yesterday.
He said: “In all directions, it is very positive, which is why we need to continue hosting more sporting events, considering that the negative effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country has been successfully managed by the government.”
Al-Kuwari emphasised that the recent conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 provided Qatar a wealth of experience, making it well-prepared to host the FIFA World Cup next year.
“The achievements made during the FIFA Arab Cup will reflect the success that we are anticipating for the World Cup in 2022. This recent sports event has enhanced Qatar’s confidence to deliver a world-class sports event and spectacular fan experience next year. Qatar is very much ready to host the World Cup,” he noted.
According to al-Kuwari, Qatar Chamber supports the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), as well as other government authorities concerned, to guarantee the success of their respective projects.
“The chamber has several different committees catering to all sectors in the economy. For example, these committees work hand-in-hand with the authorities concerned to assure food security, the availability of hotels, and access to transportation, among others.
Al-Kuwari noted that the private sector has a significant part in achieving Qatar’s goal to become a sports hub or a regional sports destination. “So, the private sector is not only benefiting from the trickledown effect when sports competitions are held in Qatar, but it is actually supporting and playing a huge role in ensuring that all the needed requirements are met to guarantee the success of these events, such as the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup,” al-Kuwari explained.
He added: “As it was proven in recent years when Qatar was facing different crises, the private sector has stepped up to support the government in meeting the needs of the economy, as well as the needs of the country’s citizens and residents. Qatar Chamber and the private sector have always been the government’s partners for development.”
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