Doha, January 16 (QNA) - Under the plans as envisaged in Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar is fully on track to promote countrys tourism sector and diversify its economy. In recent years, Qatar has emerged as a destination of choice for tourists from the region and beyond thanks to timely implementation of projects related to countrys fast booming tourism sector, Qatari English newspaper "The Peninsula" said in its editorial on Saturday.
The growth of countrys tourism sector not only attracting tourists from all over the world but also providing investors with an opportunity to invest in this lucrative sector, the paper stressed, noting that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry unveiled on Thursday investment opportunities to develop three beach resorts in Qatar Fuwairit, Ben Ghannam and Ras Abrouq, in the framework of a public private partnership. The Ministry organized, in cooperation with the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), a meeting for investors concerned with the tourism sector.
The initiative to offer investment opportunities to establish beach resorts falls within the public-private partnership framework, which is part of the States efforts to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the paper added.
The Peninsula said that the QNV 2030 aims at consolidating economic diversification and supporting non-oil sectors, especially the tourism industry which plays an important role in strengthening Qatars leading position as one of the most prominent tourist destinations regionally and globally. HE QNTC Secretary-General and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker stated: "As part of its mandate to diversify the economy by developing the tourism sector, QNTC works closely with partners across the public and private sectors to build products that showcase our countrys varied offerings and deliver service excellence."
Last month, Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) also announced the upcoming events for 2021 through its online platform, Qatar Calendar. In 2021, Qatar will host major international sporting events such as FIFA Club World Cup, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, and FIFA Arab Cup 2021, in addition to local tournaments such as Algalayel Championship and Al Udeid Desert Challenge. 2021 will also witness the return of exhibitions and festivals such as Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Heya Arabian Fashion Show, Milipol Qatar, Qatar Motor Show, Shop Qatar, Ajyal Film Festival, Qatar International Food Festival, Qatar Life and many more. Definitely these and all other events of Qatar Calendar will attract visitors from across the world to Qatar, the paper noted.
In conclusion, The Peninsula said that Qatars tourism sector witnessed 11% growth during January to August 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. In 2019, Qatar was also ranked on top in the Middle East and number eight globally in Business Environment by the World Economic Forums Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019. (QNA)