Qatar to be the Stage for 51st UN Regional Tourism Conference

Written By: Rajesh Mazumder

Rajesh Mazumder

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May 27, 2024 1:09 PM

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Qatar to host 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission, highlighting its role as a global cultural and economic hub.

A senior delegation from Qatar Tourism, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, is attending the 50th session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, currently underway in Muscat, Oman. The session commenced on May 22 and will wrap up on May 24. Session close, it was revealed that Qatar will host the 51st conference of the UN Tourism Regional Commission.

The selection of Doha as the venue for the forthcoming conference underscores Qatar’s pivotal role as a regional and international center for cultural, economic, and political exchanges. This move further highlights the vital role that the tourism sector plays in fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing international cooperation.

During the meetings, HE Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji met with HE Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization. They discussed launching the second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards in collaboration with the UN body, aimed at recognizing those who have significantly enhanced the Qatari tourism experience through exceptional service. They also explored potential collaborations to foster innovative ideas, particularly in digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Qatar Tourism expressed a keen interest in sharing the successes of the Hayya platform with other member nations, hoping to extend its application across the region.

The discussions also covered strategic topics and initiatives aimed at bolstering tourism cooperation at both Arab and regional levels, leveraging shared experiences and past successes.

The meetings highlighted the importance of closer ties among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly through the introduction of a unified tourist visa expected by year’s end, which is seen as a vital step toward promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Key talks also revolved around tourism investment and financing strategies, with a focus on Qatar’s robust investment climate which is attractive to both domestic and international investors due to its economic resilience and steady growth. Qatar has recently seen the creation of over 800 new businesses and the launch of 135 foreign direct investment initiatives worth approximately $29.78 billion. These discussions emphasized Qatar Tourism’s commitment to excellence in service throughout the tourism value chain, supported by collaborations with both public and private sectors, thereby contributing to Qatar’s reputation as one of the safest countries globally.

On the agenda for tomorrow, the Qatar Tourism delegation plans to engage in a panel discussion titled “Stimulating tourism investment through cross-sector partnerships.” A focal point of this session will be the successful collaboration between Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior in launching the “Hayya” visa facilitation platform. The discussion will also cover strategic partnerships aimed at attracting investments and enhancing Qatar’s tourism offerings. The session will conclude with strategies to sustain tourism growth, particularly in the wake of major events like the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup 2023™.

Additionally, the UNWTO has highlighted significant expansion in the Middle East’s tourism sector, with international visitor numbers in the first three months of 2024 reaching 36% higher than pre-pandemic levels, a 4% rise from the first quarter of the previous year. This strong performance continues from an exceptional 2023, in which the Middle East led globally by exceeding its pre-pandemic tourism numbers by 22%.

Further data from the early part of 2024 reveals that other global destinations are also experiencing remarkable growth. Specifically, Qatar witnessed a 177% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the first quarter of 2019, while Saudi Arabia enjoyed a 98% surge.