Doha, Qatar — Qatar Tourism has announced the jurors for the upcoming second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, set to assess various sectors’ contributions to the country’s tourism landscape from this September. Beyond celebrating local accomplishments, these awards coincide with Doha’s designation as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, spotlighting the city on a regional stage.
This year’s panel is a tapestry of expertise, featuring prominent figures like Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani of TenX Ventures, notable for her pioneering roles including being the youngest and first female executive at Qatar Financial Centre, where she ascended to deputy CEO. Sheikha Alanoud’s leadership symbolizes the progressive strides in gender representation within Qatari business circles.
Joining her are Rana Sobh, Dean of Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics; Abdulla Al Mehshadi, CEO of Al Wa’ab City; Ramzan Al Naimi, a noted innovation expert; and Ali bin Towar Al Kuwari, who juggles roles between being a media figure and a representative of Qatar Museums’ Year of Culture programme.
The jury is rounded out by Azzam Abdulaziz Al Mannai, CEO of Sport Accelerator, a critical initiative under Aspire Zone Foundation, and Marcel Leijzer, Deputy Director of Silk Road Department at the UN Tourism. Their combined insights are expected to bring a holistic evaluation of the award entries, factoring in innovation, leadership, and sustainability.
Starting September 10, the jury will delve into submissions that highlight outstanding contributions to Qatar’s burgeoning tourism sector, examining impacts in service, innovation, and community engagement. Reflecting on the process, the rigorous evaluation underscores Qatar’s strategy to foster a high-caliber tourism economy.
The awards, aligned with the World Tourism Organization, cover seven categories: service excellence, gastronomic experiences, iconic attractions and activities, world class events, digital footprint, smart, and sustainable tourism as well as community leadership. Each main category diversifies into various subcategories such as tour guide of the year, outstanding Qatari dining experiences, and leading local retail brands.
These categories aren’t just trophies on a shelf; they reflect a broader vision for Qatar’s tourism future. For example, awards recognizing digital footprint and smart tourism speak to a commitment to integrating advanced technologies for enhancing visitor experiences.
Commenting on the awards, UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the first awards edition had successfully showcased innovative, excellence-driven projects within Qatar’s tourism sector. He emphasized that the continuation through this second edition is aimed at bolstering the sustainable development of Qatar’s tourism, enriched by its unique cultural heritage.
As Qatar progresses on this path, the international spotlight from such accolades underscores its readiness to not just participate in, but actively shape global tourism discussions. With the insights from such a diverse panel, the Qatar Tourism Awards serve as a pivotal platform for recognizing and encouraging excellence and innovation in omnipresent aspects of tourism.