The event comprised panel discussions, presentations and workshops on the most pertinent topics in the Qatar hospitality industry.
Almost a year on from the launch of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, hoteliers in Qatar gathered at the fourth edition of the Hotelier Middle East Qatar Hospitality Summit to discuss the challenges they face as supply floods the market, and visa restrictions and staffing issues remain complex
The Hotelier Middle East: Qatar Hospitality Summit 2015, which took place on April 22, 2015 at Grand Hyatt Doha, brought together 157 general managers, corporate hoteliers and heads of department from Qatar’s hotels and resorts.
The fourth edition of the event featured a strong line-up of Qatar’s hospitality leaders who discussed the most pressing issues facing the industry almost a year on from the launch of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030.
09.05 am: Presentation
Qatar Business Confidence Survey Results
Christopher Hewett, associate director, TRI Consulting
The event opened with an exclusive presentation by Chris Hewett of TRI Consulting, on Qatar business confidence, during which 2014 performance was discussed:
09.25 am: PANEL DISCUSSION: DESTINATION QATAR
Moderator: Christopher Hewett, associate director, TRI Consulting
The opening panel discussion of the day examined the opportunities that the QTA’s sector strategy has opened up for the market, how the industry could support the QTA and its partners to help the sector flourish, and the challenges that were still being faced, such as visa restrictions for emerging markets. The panellists agreed that visa restrictions must change to accommodate growing numbers of visitors from emerging markets in particular.
Zeinab Hammoud, director of sales & marketing, Governor West Bay Suites & Residences commented: “From China there are a lot of people that want to come, and Brazil is really growing, but visas are not easy to get.”
Dr. Alexander G. Grit, research lecturer — School of Tourism, Stenden University of Applied Science, also highlighted South America as an emerging inbound market for Qatar, along with Germany and Spain.
Christoph K. Franzen, general manager Grand Hyatt Doha said that he would “go after the Chinese market” if it weren’t for the challenges, while he hinted that India is a potential target.
Safak Guvenc, area manager Qatar/ general manager W Doha & Residences also identified China and India as key target markets. “Take India, China — think of the populations of these countries. They are moving from poverty into middle class — millions of people — where are they going to travel? Their closest destination of course!” he said.
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One way to soften barriers to entry, according to Guvenc, would be “separating” visas. “For visa restrictions I think we have to separate them into working, residence and tourist,” he claimed.
“Imagine the negative effect it would have for people, not getting a visa,” Franzen warned, while Hammoud added “they’ll have this idea they can’t come back”.
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