The winners of the second edition of the awards were announced at a ceremony that took place at the Raffles Doha Ballroom, attended by His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, and Ms. Basma Al- Mayman, UN Tourism Regional Director, Middle East.
Developed in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Qatar Tourism Awards was launched to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions made by businesses and individuals that continually aspire to exemplify service excellence in customer service delivery. They are designed to encourage all industry actors who directly, or indirectly, deliver experiences to Qatar’s visitors to emulate exceptional initiatives characterised by uniqueness, sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality service.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, after welcoming the guests he emphasised on the growing interest of the awards, saying: “we are gathered for the second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions of businesses and individuals in creating exceptional tourism experiences. We evaluated over 1200 applicants, reflecting the growing interest from the public to participate in such prestigious awards.” HE continued with thanking the panel of judges for their transparency, objectivity and accuracy during the evaluation process. On strategy Mr. Saad said: “Qatar Tourism is committed toward a clear strategy aimed at making Qatar one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the region, with service excellence at the heart of our priorities. Qatar Tourism Awards has become a benchmark of excellence, highlighting the best offerings, services, innovations, and achievements in the tourism sector.” In his closing, he encouraged all tourism professionals to apply for the next edition of the awards and showcased all the advantages including full access to the Winners Alumni Network.
This year, the Qatar Tourism Awards expanded from three to seven categories to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive representation of the visitor experience. The categories this year include Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions, World- Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, where they meticulously evaluated the businesses and individuals that excelled in each of the categories.
This year’s edition featured a new category, Tourism Influencer Award, included to celebrate the talented content creators who have brilliantly showcased Qatar’s vibrant culture and unique experiences to the world.
The Service Excellence category recognises outstanding businesses and individuals within the tourism sector that epitomise excellence in customer service. The 2024 winners are:
Outstanding 3-Star Hotel:
- PREMIER INN DOHA EDUCATION CITY
Outstanding 4-Star Hotel:
- EMBASSY SUITES DOHA OLD TOWN
Outstanding 5-Star Hotel:
Exceptional Spa Experience:
- ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT BY CHIVA-SOM
Exceptional Resort Experience:
- ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT BY CHIVA-SOM
Exceptional Holiday Home Experience:
Outstanding New Tourism Accommodation:
- WALDORF ASTORIA DOHA WEST BAY
The “Heart of Hospitality” award:
Tour Guide of the Year:
Leading Destination Management Company:
The Gastronomic Experiences category recognises venues that transform dining into an art form, crafting unforgettable culinary journeys. The 2024 winners are:
Outstanding Fine Dining Experience:
Exceptional Casual Dining Experience:
Premier Quick Service Experience:
Noteworthy Cafe Experience:
Outstanding Authentic Qatari Dining Experience:
Outstanding New Restaurant:
The Iconic Attraction and Activities category recognises Qatar’s most captivating and essential tourist destinations, activities and experiences. The 2024 winners are:
Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience:
Unforgettable Adventure Tourism Experience:
Leading Local Retail Brand:
Premier Shopping Mall Experience:
Premier Theme Park Experience:
Iconic Local Attraction:
The World-Class Events category recognises small, medium and major events that have a significant impact on tourism and elevate Qatar’s profile on the global stage. The 2024 winners are:
Top MICE Event of the year:
Leading Event Celebrating Local Culture:
Premier Sport Event of The Year:
Outstanding Multi-purpose MICE & Events Venue:
- DOHA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTER
The Digital Footprint category recognises those who effectively use digital tools and platforms to enhance the visibility and reputation of Qatar’s Tourism sector. The 2024 winners are:
Outstanding Destination Campaign:
- HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
“Capture Qatar”:
Tourism Influencer (Content Creator) of the Year:
- SAOUD AL-KUWARI- SHLJADWAL
The Smart and Sustainable Tourism category recognises the visionary initiatives that revolutionise Qatar’s tourism landscape with innovative and environmentally conscious practices. The 2024 winners are:
Tourism Innovation Award:
Accessibility Initiative of the Year:
Leading Sustainable Attraction:
Leading Eco-Friendly Accommodation:
- SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL
The Community Leadership category is a tribute to extraordinary individuals who inspire and catalyse positive change within Qatar’s tourism landscape. The winners are:
Tourism Personality of the Year:
- DR. KHALID IBRAHIM AL- SULAITI, CEO of Katara Cultural Village
Emerging Leader in Tourism (Future Leader in Tourism):
- JASSIM MOHAMMED EL EMADI, Vice President of Al Hazm Mall and CEO Mc Laren Automotive
Lifetime Achievement in Tourism:
- HUSSAIN AL- FARDAN, Chairman of Al Fardan Group
By Joanna Hindo 