Third Edition of Qatar Tourism Awards Unveiled, Reinforcing Global Standards and Local Impact

Context

The Qatar Tourism Awards, a collaboration between Qatar Tourism (QT) and UN Tourism, recognize and celebrate excellence in the tourism industry. The initiative, in its edition III, aims to honour outstanding contributions across various categories that are responsible for formulating the tourism experience of visitors. It emphasizes sustainability and responsible tourism practices, recognizing initiatives that prioritize conservation, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

The Awards drive excellence and raise standards within the tourism sector by benchmarking best practices and celebrating achievements. This culture of excellence benefits both visitors and locals, enhancing the overall tourism experience and contributing to Qatar's reputation as a world-class destination.

Highlights

During the press conference, Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, reaffirmed the significance of the partnership: “Today, we celebrate the renewal of our strategic partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), reinforcing the credibility and integrity of every stage of the awards process.” He also emphasized the updates introduced this year, including a refined evaluation framework and the addition of new individual awards such as the Outstanding Guest Services Personality and Hotelier of the Year.

Mr. Jaime Mayaki, Director of International Development and Cooperation at UN Tourism, commended Qatar’s ongoing progress, noting that “The Qatar Tourism Awards are not only a celebration of achievement, but a platform for global best practices, transparency, and continuous improvement,” with over 5 million international visitors recorded in 2024. He added, “UN Tourism is proud to stand alongside Qatar in this initiative. Our partnership is built on trust, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

This year’s edition features 37 categories, including the new “Leading Chief Concierge” and “Hotelier of the Year” distinctions, with winners joining the Qatar Tourism Awards Alumni Network launched last year during the second edition. Applications are now open through August 7, inviting tourism stakeholders across the country to showcase their impact and help shape the future of the industry. As Mr. Mayaki concluded, “Let us continue to work together—across borders, sectors, and cultures—to ensure tourism remains a force for peace, prosperity, and understanding.

Stay Tuned

Tourism activities in Qatar are now invited to submit their applications for this exceptional journey toward excellence, with the application window open until August 7.