QTM 2021 kicks off; 150 global firms from 34 countries participate

The exhibition was opened by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, in the presence of HE Qatar Airways Group CEO and Chairman of Qatar Tourism Akbar Al Baker. PICTURES: Thajudheen

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Qatar Travel Mart (QTM 2021) in its first edition launched Tuesday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), with the participation of about 150 international companies from 34 countries, it will last for three days. The exhibition was opened by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, in the presence of HE Qatar Airways Group CEO and Chairman of Qatar Tourism Akbar Al Baker, in addition to representatives of various travel and tourism sectors from inside and outside Qatar, and a number of Ambassadors accredited to the country. On the sidelines of the exhibition, which is organized by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, in partnership with the Qatar Tourism Authority, a conference will be held that will review visions related to the future of the tourism and travel sector, with the participation of experts and officials in the relevant sectors. In addition to holding a panel discussion for CEOs highlighting behavioral changes for consumers and the recruitment and retention of employees to work in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, with the participation of prominent speakers among them, the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage CEO Nigel Fell, the President of The World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education and Training (AMFORHT) Philippe Francois, President and CEO of World Leisure Organization Dr. Cristina Ortega and others.PICTURES: Thajudheen The event also features a Hosted Buyers Program, with the participation of specialists from several countries, including Britain, Germany, Russia, France, Malaysia, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark and the United States, with the aim of communicating, establishing trade relations and concluding deals. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors over its three days, providing the opportunity to communicate with representatives of international tourism boards, local and regional tourism companies, airlines, tour operators, hospitality operators, and travel agents. The event will offer most sought-after travel destinations, real estate development projects and up-to-date Luxury, Business, Medical, Sports, MICE, Halal Tourism, Leisure and Cultural tourism trends to the most discerning upscale market, providing insights and new perspectives to the future of tourism by bringing together companies presenting new products and trends in technology related to travel and tourism business.