(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani yesterday opened Hospitality Qatar 2017 with hundreds in attendance thronging stalls of 153 exhibitors from 16 countries at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
The Minister stressed that the tourism sector is the most important pillar that supports Qatar's economic diversification strategy, which is aimed at achieving its national vision 2030. He emphasized that the country has moved towards raising the contribution of this sector to gross domestic product (GDP), especially in light of the huge investment opportunities available in this sector, which will contribute to bolstering the competitiveness of the national economy and its attractiveness to foreign investment.
He said that the huge growth being witnessed in the tourism and hospitality sector has been accompanied by the inauguration and implementation of several projects, particularly across hotels and other tourist facilities.
In addition, he lauded the efforts made to organize this year's edition of Hospitality Qatar, which reflects the country's role as a key player in the hospitality and investment market in the region. He added that this exhibition will contribute to enhancing communication among businessmen, investors and owners of specialized companies to establish successful projects that will strengthen Qatar's reputability as a leading tourist destination in the region and the world.
Apart from Qatar, countries with the most number of exhibitors include India, Turkey and first-time participant Iran. Other countries taking part at the event are Spain, Austria, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Lebanon.
Held for the second year at DECC, the annual global Hospitality and Hotel/Restaurant/Café (HORECA) exhibition is composed of three zones including Food & Beverage, Supply & Design, and Hotel & Franchise Investment.
This year saw an increase in the number of exhibitors compared last year, particularly those engaged in the food sector due to the current blockade.
A new feature which is the HQ Food Qatar, a dedicated platform designed for the food and catering industry, has been added to the three-day show, through which organizers facilitate ideal matchmaking for local, regional, and international food producers and suppliers to meet with local buyers.
Companies offering Halal products, grains/cereals/flours, fruits and vegetables, tea and coffee, meat and poultry, organic products, dairy, frozen, dried and canned products are among the exhibitors at the HQ-Food Qatar section of the exhibition.
George Ayache, General Manager at IFP Qatar, the organizers, said: 'The extensive international participation reflects growing confidence in Hospitality Qatar as an ideal gateway to reach huge opportunities and explore the promising prospects within the hotel supply, design and investment sectors in Qatar. The launch of ‘Food Qatar' is an important addition in strengthening the role of the show as a major contributor to the growth of the food, hospitality, hotel, restaurant, franchising and retailing segments, which in turn provides a thriving business environment for regional and international food producers and suppliers. We look forward with confidence and optimism to the new platform, which will open broad prospects for promoting cooperation in the vital investment areas and driving more growth in the food and catering industry in Qatar, which is moving forward to achieving food self-sufficiency. With the participation of key investors, designers, suppliers and experts coming from 16 countries to showcase the latest products, innovations and services, we can say that this year's edition will be a major boost to seize lucrative business and investment opportunities that support economic growth.
Ambassadors, hoteliers, and VIP guests were among those who attended the opening ceremony.
Hospitality Qatar is the industry's ultimate meeting point for a wide variety of exciting hospitality attractions, and B2B trade activities. It provides 360-degree coverage of all aspects of the HORECA, food and beverage, and hospitality investment markets.
Hospitality Qatar 2017 is open today and tomorrow from 3pm to 9pm. Registration is free.
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