The agenda of the Hospitality Qatar Conference focuses on major interests for the hospitality sector and offers a fresh outlook on major new developments in the industry.
The conference, certified by CPD and part of Hospitality Qatar 2019, provides insightful knowledge of the sector, new strategies and innovations, and also features sessions and discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
The conference kicked off yesterday with a keynote speech by Ahmed al-Obaidli from Qatar National Tourism Council, who talked about the importance of continuous professional development for those working in the tourism and hospitality fields. “We are delighted to return as partners of Hospitality Qatar after noting a need and demand for knowledge exchange and a training platform for tourism professionals,” he said.
“In developing the programme with IFP Qatar, we have worked to highlight the importance of creating a visitor experience that is unique to Qatar, modern and seamless yet rooted in authenticity, and reflected across all the elements that make up that experience, from F&B to hospitality, and from digital innovations to customer service.”
He added, “We hope that attendees will enjoy and benefit from the training and discussions offered throughout the conference, and that they will find in them perspectives and tools to stay ahead of changes in the tourism market.”
The second session discussed the integration of brand standards and local design elements, as well as how storytelling can be effectively achieved through design and spaces, led by Khalid Hassan al-Neama, manager of Engineering and Technical Development from Katara Hospitality.
Another key theme of the conference was the ‘The First Entertainment Island in Qatar – Qetaifan Contribution to FIFA World Cup 2022’, highlighted by Hesham Sharaf, chief operating officer of Qetaifan Projects. It provided participants with an update on the developments pertaining to Qetaifan Island and the current opportunities for prospective partners.
Also in focus was ‘Curating Entertainment for Families during their Visit to Qatar’, the Hospitality Qatar organisers said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the training session highlighted the leading best practices among industry practitioners. Participants learnt about ‘Delivering Unique Experiences in the World of Sports and Entertainment’ to enhance visitor experiences by understanding fans, their behaviour and motivations and how to build unbreakable emotional connection to convert fans into loyal active clients. Javier Martinez, an internationally renowned sports, leisure and entertainment expert, delivered the training.
Ahmad Nasser Sraiya al-Kaabi, chief operating officer of Al Sraiya Holding Group, said: “We commend the efforts of Hospitality Qatar to host this event and provide an ideal platform for the sector to showcase cutting-edge services as well as promote insightful concepts that would increase engagement in the sector.
“The event continues to provide us with the ideal platform to meet new partners and pursue business opportunities in line with our efforts to contribute to the sustainable development of the country.”
Mahday Saad al-Hebabi, Vodafone Qatar Business Services director, added: “At Vodafone Qatar, we are committed to support the growth of Qatar’s hospitality and tourism sector and are pleased to be the exclusive telecommunication sponsor of Hospitality Qatar 2019. Thanks to our extensive 5G network rollout across Qatar, we expect this revolutionary technology to have a transformative effect on how the industry operates and engages with guests. This will be especially crucial in meeting the demands of visitors and tourists alike in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup.”
Dignitaries undertaking a tour of the exhibition. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
