Qatar Tourism made a grand appearance at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes 2021, showcasing its opulent offerings and unveiling its latest developments in the fields of hospitality and sports. The four-day trade show, held in Cannes, France, served as a significant platform for Qatar to position itself as a top-tier luxury travel destination.
Berthold Trenkel, the Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are very pleased with the tourism developments taking place in Qatar. As stewards of the sector, Qatar Tourism works closely with our partners across the public and private sectors to build experiences that will appeal to a range of residents and visitors."
Known for its commitment to luxury experiences rooted in authenticity, Qatar Tourism aims to provide Service Excellence at every step of the customer journey. Their vision encompasses a wide array of offerings, from five-star hotels and resorts to thrilling outdoor activities, pristine beaches, and captivating museums and cultural landmarks.
The Qatari delegation at ILTM Cannes included representatives from Qatar Airways, hotels, and Destination Management Companies. They collectively showcased a host of new tourism products and luxurious experiences available in the country.
As international travel gradually resumes, and with the eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on the horizon, Qatar is actively expanding its tourism portfolio to attract a greater number of visitors. In alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar Tourism's strategy involves collaborating with various stakeholders to develop new products and experiences.
These initiatives encompass a wide spectrum, including the creation of new venues in hospitality, retail, sport, leisure, and family entertainment. Over 100 new hotels and serviced apartments are currently under construction, further enhancing Qatar's extensive portfolio of properties. Among these upcoming establishments are the Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Resort at Katara Towers, Rosewood Doha, and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. These additions will only enrich the country's luxury offerings, catering to high-value travelers who already have a choice of over 80 five-star and four-star hotels.
Qatar is also set to welcome major tourism projects, such as Place Vendome, a shopping mall featuring 580 retail outlets, two five-star hotels, and entertainment zones. The West Bay North Beach project will offer six beaches, restaurants, and outdoor activities, while Qetaifan Island North aims to become Qatar's first entertainment island, featuring five-star hotels and resorts, beach clubs, and water parks.
Qatar Tourism is steadfast in its commitment to achieve the ambitious goal of attracting six million visitors by 2030 and increasing the sector's contribution to Gross Domestic Product to 12 percent by 2030. To realize this vision, they are working closely with stakeholders to enhance assets and attractions, elevate the overall customer experience, invest in Service Excellence, and deploy a targeted marketing strategy to attract point-to-point and stopover visitors.
Several programs and initiatives have already been launched to further these goals, including Service Excellence and Qatar Clean, a collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, Qatar has initiated the "World Class Chefs" project, hosting globally renowned chefs to enhance the country's culinary experiences and support the hospitality sector.
Qatar's calendar of events continues to be a magnet for tourists, with exciting events like the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, Qatar Balloon Festival, Qatar International Food Festival, and many others captivating audiences from around the world. Qatar Tourism's presence at ILTM Cannes 2021 underscores the country's commitment to offering unforgettable luxury experiences and solidifies its position as a premier global travel destination.