Qatar Tourism Authority Participates in IMEX Frankfurt 2018

Doha, May 16 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is participating at IMEX Frankfurt this week to promote Qatar as an attractive business events destination in the region. Along with 11 industry partners, the delegation is showcasing the country's full range of hotels, state-of-the art venues, tour operators and event management companies; the delegation is strengthening ties with industry stakeholders. "Our focus at IMEX Frankfurt this year is to create new ties with the meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) industry, and build on existing ones," commented Director of Exhibitions at QTA Ahmed Al Obaidli. "Since the launch of the Next Chapter in September of last year, the sector has taken steady steps to grow and accelerate the development of its offerings across the leisure and business tourism spectrums, giving international business visitors ample opportunity to enjoy authentic tourism experiences, both inside and beyond the venue walls," he added. Since Qatar's last participation in IMEX, the country has introduced visa policy changes which have made Qatar easier to visit and the most open country in the GCC region. Last year, the Qatar delegation held 89 meetings at IMEX and is looking to boost that figure this year. Over the past 12 months, the country has announced the hosting of IATA's 31st annual Ground Handling Conference and the first Middle East edition of ICEIRD (International Conference for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development) which will be held later in 2018. It has also announced the AICR annual congress in 2021 as well as the Clefs d'Or International Congress also in 2021. And, as part of its commitment to further strengthen ties in the international association meetings industry, QTA has recently partnered with ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) to become a globally recognized Association Relations Partner (ARP). QTA is already leveraging its new status with ICCA and has set plans to host ICCA Qatar International Meetings Expert Session on the 17th and 18th of September in Doha. The two-day session will provide attendees a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in the international meetings industry and is specially designed for meetings industry suppliers and local associations in Qatar and the Middle East. (QNA)