- The Qatar Tourism Awards 2024 broadened its scope, growing from three to seven categories to cover a wider range of tourism experiences, including a new Tourism Influencer Award for content creators.
- Local entities such as Premier Inn Doha Education City, Hakkasan, and Msheireb Museums were celebrated for their contributions to tourism, showcasing the depth and diversity of Qatar’s offerings.
- Winners in the Digital Footprint and Smart and Sustainable Tourism categories, like Hamad International Airport and Msheireb Downtown, highlighted Qatar’s focus on innovative and eco-friendly tourism.
- From fine dining at Hakkasan to local retail brand Hiraat, the awards acknowledged venues and experiences that enhance Qatar’s cultural and culinary landscape, elevating the country’s appeal to international visitors.
The Qatar Tourism Awards 2024 was a remarkable celebration dedicated to honoring the individuals and organizations that are enhancing Qatar’s reputation as a global tourism hotspot.
The second edition of the awards took place at the grand Raffles Doha Ballroom, where distinguished guests, including His Excellency Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism and chair of the Visit Qatar Board of Directors, gathered alongside top figures like Natalia Bayona, executive director of UN Tourism, and Basma Al Mayman, UN Tourism’s regional director for the Middle East.
This prestigious event highlighted the ongoing efforts and achievements of Qatar’s tourism professionals in shaping exceptional experiences for visitors.
An Initiative to Encourage Excellence in Service
The Qatar Tourism Awards, established in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), aim to celebrate the remarkable dedication of tourism businesses and individuals who consistently deliver high standards of service.
These awards not only recognize exceptional customer service but also encourage sustainable, accessible, and innovative practices within the industry. The initiative was launched to inspire stakeholders across Qatar’s tourism sector to set new benchmarks in quality, drawing tourists from around the world.
HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, in his opening speech, expressed the increasing significance of the awards, pointing out the notable rise in applications, which saw over 1,200 participants this year.
He extended his gratitude to the panel of judges for their meticulous evaluation process, which prioritized transparency, accuracy, and objectivity in selecting winners. Al Kharji also emphasized Qatar Tourism’s commitment to growth, aiming to make Qatar a prominent tourist destination in the region, with service quality as a core priority.
Expanded Categories Reflecting Comprehensive Visitor Experiences
For 2024, the Qatar Tourism Awards expanded from three to seven categories, providing a more comprehensive recognition of various aspects of Qatar’s tourism industry.
The new categories were designed to capture the diversity of experiences Qatar offers, from luxurious accommodations to unique culinary encounters. This expansion demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to elevating the entire visitor journey, promoting excellence across all areas that contribute to a memorable tourist experience.
Highlights of the Winners
Service Excellence Awards
Recognizing businesses that exemplify customer service, the Service Excellence category honored a range of establishments:
- Premier Inn Doha Education City for Outstanding 3-Star Hotel.
- Embassy Suites Doha Old Town for Outstanding 4-Star Hotel.
- Mandarin Oriental for Outstanding 5-Star Hotel.
- Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, which secured both the Exceptional Spa Experience and Exceptional Resort Experience awards.
- The Cottage, awarded for Exceptional Holiday Home Experience.
- Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay recognized as Outstanding New Tourism Accommodation.
- The “Heart of Hospitality” award went to Hala EH Sayegh, celebrating her dedication to delivering warm and welcoming service.
- Karolanne Pacheco received the Tour Guide of the Year award for her exceptional expertise in guiding visitors through Qatar’s attractions.
- Q Moments, awarded as the Leading Destination Management Company, was acknowledged for creating seamless and engaging travel experiences.
Gastronomic Experiences
Reflecting Qatar’s rich culinary landscape, the Gastronomic Experiences category celebrated venues that transform dining into art:
- Hakkasan won the Outstanding Fine Dining Experience.
- Bayt El Talleh received the Exceptional Casual Dining Experience award.
- Evergreen Organics was recognized for Premier Quick Service Experience.
- Qinwan Premium Dates won the Noteworthy Cafe Experience.
- Belhambar received the Outstanding Authentic Qatari Dining Experience.
- The Outstanding New Restaurant title went to YUN, celebrated for its innovative culinary offerings.
Iconic Attractions and Activities
The Iconic Attractions and Activities category honored destinations and experiences that are quintessential to Qatar:
- Old Doha Port was recognized for Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience.
- National Cruise Tourism was awarded for Unforgettable Adventure Tourism Experience.
- Hiraat, known for its unique local designs, won Leading Local Retail Brand.
- Place Vendôme took the Premier Shopping Mall Experience title.
- Doha Quest received the Premier Theme Park Experience award.
- Msheireb Museums was named Iconic Local Attraction, showcasing Qatar’s heritage and cultural vibrance.
World-Class Events
Qatar is becoming a hub for international events, and this category celebrated those that attract global audiences:
- Doha Forum was named the Top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Event of the Year.
- Old Doha Port won Leading Event Celebrating Local Culture, highlighting Qatar’s traditional and contemporary arts.
- The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 was awarded Premier Sport Event of the Year for its role in bringing football fans to the country.
- Doha Exhibition and Convention Center received recognition as the Outstanding Multi-purpose MICE & Events Venue, underlining its versatility and significance.
Digital Footprint
Recognizing the impact of digital platforms in promoting Qatar’s attractions, the Digital Footprint category celebrated:
- Hamad International Airport for its outstanding destination campaign.
- “Capture Qatar” awarded to Ahmed Mohamed Hassan for his photographic excellence that captures Qatar’s beauty.
- Saoud Al-Kuwari won Tourism Influencer of the Year, acknowledged for his role in showcasing Qatar’s vibrant culture to the world.
Smart and Sustainable Tourism
Acknowledging initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future, this category celebrated environmental and innovative efforts:
- HAYYA won the Tourism Innovation Award for revolutionizing visitor experiences through smart technology.
- AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 received the Accessibility Initiative of the Year award.
- Msheireb Downtown was honored as Leading Sustainable Attraction for its green initiatives.
- Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel received the Leading Eco-Friendly Accommodation award, setting an example in sustainable tourism practices.
Community Leadership
Recognizing individuals who lead with vision, this category acknowledged those who shape the future of Qatar’s tourism:
- Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, CEO of Katara Cultural Village, was celebrated as Tourism Personality of the Year.
- Jassim Mohammed Al Emadi, Vice-President of Al Hazm Mall and CEO of McLaren Automotive, won Emerging Leader in Tourism.
- Hussain Al-Fardan, Chairman of Al Fardan Group, received the Lifetime Achievement in Tourism award for his lasting contributions to the sector.
A Future of Growth and Innovation in Tourism
This year’s Qatar Tourism Awards not only celebrated the achievements of businesses and individuals but also emphasized Qatar’s ongoing mission to become a global tourism hub.
By recognizing excellence across diverse categories, Qatar Tourism aims to create a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. The expanded awards and increased participation from over 1,200 applicants reflect the industry’s drive for growth and commitment to setting new standards in service and experience.
In line with these goals, HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji encouraged tourism professionals to continue striving for excellence, highlighting the advantages of participating in future award editions.
Through the Qatar Tourism Awards, the country continues to build on its vision of delivering exceptional tourism experiences that blend luxury, culture, sustainability, and innovation, making Qatar a premier destination for travelers from around the world.
With the success of the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024, Qatar has reinforced its position as a destination of choice, backed by a vibrant community of professionals and businesses that redefine tourism standards each year.
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