SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 30, 2024 – UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism have joined forces once again to celebrate the best in innovation and excellence in service at the second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards.
The awards ceremony, which received around 1,200 applications from businesses and individuals across the tourism sector, showcased the transformative power of tourism and highlighted Qatar's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
"These awards reaffirm the importance of businesses, entrepreneurs and influencers in the modern tourism landscape, both in Qatar and globally," said Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, at the awards ceremony. "It is imperative that we recognize and invest in the best talent and ideas in order to transform our sector. We will keep working together to strengthen our community of leaders."
Diverse Categories Reflect Qatar's Tourism Growth
The awards featured seven main categories: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. These categories were designed to reflect the diversity of Qatar's tourism sector, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. Between 2019 and 2024, international arrivals to Qatar increased by an impressive 147%, with the sector also emerging as a hub for tourism innovation and investment.
UN Tourism Supports Excellence in Service
A panel of expert judges, including an international official from UN Tourism, selected the winners of the Qatar Tourism Awards. Basmah Al Mayman, UN Tourism Regional Director for the Middle East, highlighted the significance of the awards, stating, "The Awards are evolving into a significant brand that embodies Qatar's commitment to development in tourism."
The awards align with UN Tourism's key priorities of promoting tourism as a driver of economic growth and comprehensive development by recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors.
Qatar's Vision for Tourism
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, H.E. Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized the strong collaboration with UN Tourism in this initiative. "UN Tourism is bringing to Belem, an essential debate for the tourism sector but also for the world," he said.
He also reiterated Qatar's dedication to providing world-class service and establishing the country as a leading tourism destination. "We are very happy to host the G20 Tourism here at the heart of the Amazon, the capital of Pará," he added.
Looking Ahead
The Qatar Tourism Awards not only celebrate the achievements of the tourism industry in Qatar but also inspire future innovation and excellence. By recognizing and rewarding those who contribute to the growth and development of the sector, the awards encourage continuous improvement and the pursuit of exceptional service.
As Qatar's tourism sector continues to evolve, the awards will play a crucial role in showcasing the country's commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.