Qatar, July 2023: A modern hub with deep cultural roots, Qatar is a growing MICE destination today and home to state-of-the-art facilities, venues, and museums. In addition, world-class hotels and a wide range of experiences make it a standout destination for business travel. Qatar’s strategic location, with an average of 3-5 hours flight distance from anywhere in the world and free visa-on-arrival for citizens of over 95 + countries, India included, ensures it’s an accessible option.
The compact nature of the Peninsula allows visitors to mix work with leisure while also exploring the country. The destination ensures guests have a memorable time on their travels with top-notch facilities at their service. Furthermore, Qatar is blessed to have year-round pleasant weather for all kinds of activities.
Here are some of the top reasons for choosing the destination as a MICE-friendly option:
High on safety
Qatar continues its reign as the safest country in the world fifth time in a row, according to Numbeo Crime Index 2023. Numbeo Index is the largest cost of living database in the world. It offers a global crowd-sourced database on factors like quality of life, housing, crime rates, quality of healthcare, transport facilities, and other similar statistics. The index surveyed 142 countries and Qatar ranked first.
World-class airport
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has been ranked as the second-best airport in the world, along with winning titles for ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ and ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the ninth time in a row, at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023. To meet the needs of MICE travellers from across the world, Qatar Airways, the nation’s flag carrier, plays a crucial role in enabling entry to Qatar by offering convenient and multiple flight connections.
State-of-the-art venues
The purpose-built venues like Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) and Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) make it the perfect business setup. These cutting-edge venues with state-of-the-art amenities and stunning architectural aesthetics make Qatar, an excellent choice for business dealings.
Simplified booking process
To provide quality service and assistance, multiple destination management companies (DMC’s) in Qatar provide end-to-end personalized services and packages, ensuring business bookings are seamless.
Options and preparedness
Qatar offers a range of quality hotel options that meet every corporate requirement and preference, excursions, and attractions. Every leading global hotel chain is present in Qatar; all hotels are geared and upgraded for business travellers with high-level professional equipment and technology advancements. Many exhibition centres, including enormous ballrooms and conference spaces inside the hotels, create the perfect ambience for business and professional requirements.
Amazing tourist attractions
Qatar is home to stunning indoor venues and incredible landmarks like the iconic National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Arts, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum for sports fanatics, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and more. Attendees can go on adventurous desert safaris, participate in water sports, or take in the sights and sounds of traditional dhow excursions along the scenic coastline. In addition, the stunning heritage and fascinating natural sights and wildlife of this middle eastern wonder make it a well-rounded business trip.
Summary
To assist the commercial partners in better understanding and promoting the destination, Qatar Tourism also launched the Qatar Specialist Programme. Qatar Specialist Programme focuses on various aspects of Qatar’s tourism offering, covering history, heritage, attractions, and experiences. The advantages of the programme are to increase sales by converting more travel enquiries, learn on the go as the training is easily accessible and make for a free professional development and learning opportunity. Travel and trade partners can exceed customers’ expectations with this specialization.
Noteworthy changes have also recently taken place in terms of Qatar’s infrastructure; emphasis was placed on public transportation, with a new, easily accessible, and sustainable, multimodal transportation system. This included brand-new tram and metro networks, a revitalized road system and improved rail lines. Qatar is making investments in advertising, incentive programmes, strategic commercial alliances, and effective on-the-ground outreach. Active participation in road shows, networking events, and trade shows at source markets is a priority. With some exciting future events lined up for 2023 and 2024, the destination hopes to continue expanding the MICE numbers, particularly from the Indian market. While the FIFA World Cup 2022TM marked a defining moment in the country’s history, Qatar is ready to deliver new, diverse, and incredible experiences to event organizers and attendees.
Author: Jaun Shahi
Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.
