TravTalk India Online Magazine
Qatar has established itself as a premier destination for activities related to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (M!CE) with a modern infrastructure and warm hospitality. With a goal to attract six million visitors annually by 2030, Qatar is keen to tap the Indian market, which, it believes, can contribute significantly to achieve the target.
Janice Alyosius
Qatar has emerged as a leading destination for M!CE activities, with its state of the arts infrastructure and warm Middle Eastern hospitality. With the goal of welcoming six million visitors annually by 2030, Qatar is keen on tap the Indian market, which, it believes, can contribute almost 20 per cent to achieve the target.
Qatar’s advantage as a M!CE destination
Philip Dickinson, Vice President International Markets, Qatar Tourism, said, “Qatar’s strategic location, visa-on-arrival facility, and convenient air connectivity from India make it an ideal choice for corporate events. With modern, purpose-built exhibition centres such as the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC) and the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), as well as impressive indoor and outdoor venues such as the Katara Cultural Village and the National Museum of Qatar, and a wide range of hotel options, Qatar has everything needed to make it a top choice for M!CE travellers.”
Perfect balance between business and leisure
Dickinson highlighted that Qatar offers a unique destination for those seeking something different by emphasising on the perfect balance between business and leisure. “Qatar has become a highly sought-after destination for M!CE events, providing top-notch services and cutting-edge infrastructure in areas such as art, culture, heritage, sports, luxury, and hospitality. With its impressive facilities, the country is an ideal location for hosting business meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, and other gatherings. It offers an exceptional blend of business and leisure tourism, combining Arabian traditions with first-rate amenities. Qatar has been designed to accommodate an influx of business visitors, making it a versatile destination. In recent years, the country has expanded its range of attractions and activities, including museums, galleries, markets, shopping malls, beaches, theme parks, desert safaris, and more, catering to all interests,” he said.
Infrastructure suits corporate events
Qatar’s infrastructure is well-suited to host corporate events of any size, from intimate gatherings to large conventions, shared Dickinson. “Every hotel in the country offers something unique to M!CE groups and Qatar also boasts purpose-built venues and various community centres and cultural sites that can serve as meeting spaces and event venues. These include Barahat in Msheireb Downtown, Msheireb Museums, Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, Lusail Boulevard, National Museum of Qatar, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Furthermore, the country has world-class convention centres such as the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC),” he said.
World-class attractions for corporate visitors
The country also provides corporate visitors with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of attractions. Some of the must-see destinations include the National Museum of Qatar, Doha’s skyline, Souq Waqif, and unique dining experiences. Qatar also offers a range of entertainment attractions such as Al Maha Island and Lusail City. Visitors can enjoy a sunset at Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, kayak through the Al Thakira mangroves, or view Qatar from a hot-air balloon. Additionally, Qatar boasts world-class wellness retreats for those interested in wellness.
Robust subvention programs for corporate partners
Visit Qatar is committed to promoting the M!CE sector and actively engaging with corporate clients from Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and beyond, to facilitate corporate events. Dickinson shared, “Our primary focus area is M!CE, and we have close collaborations with corporate clients from various parts of India. Qatar tourism provides visitors with support and attractive funding programs right from the initial planning stage. All corporate clients who visit Qatar will have a plethora of options to choose from. Furthermore, we are working to educate M!CE and trade operators throughout India about Qatar as a potential destination for upcoming corporate events through the Qatar Specialist Program, M!CE and Corporate FAM trips. Qatar Airways offers the QM!CE program, which provides businesses with attractive group fares for travel to Qatar.” He added, “We are witnessing a quick recovery in the market, and with our strategic partnerships, attractive incentive programs, targeted campaigns, and outreach efforts, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the momentum and provide the best M!CE experience.”
