UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism Celebrate Excellence and Innovation at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024
(IN SHORT) On October 30, 2024, UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism celebrated the second annual Qatar Tourism Awards, recognizing innovation and excellence in the tourism sector. The event received approximately 1,200 applications, showcasing the rapid growth of Qatar’s tourism industry, which has seen a 147% increase in international arrivals from 2019 to 2024. The awards featured seven main categories, including Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, and Smart and Sustainable Tourism. UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona emphasized the importance of recognizing exceptional talent and ideas to transform the sector. H.E. Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, highlighted the vital role of UN Tourism and encouraged stakeholders to participate in future editions.
(PRESS RELEASE) Doha, Qatar, 2024-Oct-31 — /Travel PR News/ — On October 30, 2024, UN Tourism partnered once again with Qatar Tourism to celebrate outstanding achievements in the tourism sector at the second annual Qatar Tourism Awards. This prestigious event attracted around 1,200 applications from a diverse range of businesses and individuals, highlighting the vibrant and expanding landscape of Qatar’s tourism industry. Notably, from 2019 to 2024, international arrivals in Qatar surged by an impressive 147%, positioning the country as an emerging hub for tourism innovation and investment.
The 2024 awards featured seven main categories that reflect the sector’s diversity, including:
- Service Excellence
- Gastronomic Experiences
- Iconic Attractions
- World-Class Events
- Digital Footprint
- Smart and Sustainable Tourism
- Community Leadership
During the ceremony, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona remarked, “These awards underscore the crucial role that businesses, entrepreneurs, and influencers play in the contemporary tourism landscape, both in Qatar and around the world. Recognizing and investing in exceptional talent and innovative ideas is essential for transforming our sector. We will continue our collaborative efforts to bolster our community of leaders.”
Winners were determined by a panel of judges comprising esteemed experts in the tourism field, with UN Tourism contributing to the selection process by appointing one of its officials as an international expert. Basmah Al Mayman, the UN Tourism Regional Director for the Middle East, noted that the awards are evolving into a significant brand that reflects Qatar’s dedication to tourism development. By honoring exceptional achievements across multiple sectors, the awards align with UN Tourism’s goals of promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
In his opening address, H.E. Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, acknowledged the vital support of UN Tourism in the initiative’s success. He reiterated Qatar Tourism’s commitment to providing exceptional service and establishing Qatar as the fastest-growing tourism destination worldwide. He also encouraged all tourism stakeholders to participate in future editions, inviting them to help shape the future of tourism in Qatar.
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Source: UNWTO
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