The Medyaf Programme An initiative of Qatar Tourism Authority

Transcription

1 The Medyaf Programme An initiative of Qatar Tourism Authority

2 Foreword It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Medyaf Programme, an initiative that is rooted in our Arabian hospitality. Many people do not associate business events with tourism and hospitality, yet this sub-sector has been a major contributor to the growth of Qatar s tourism sector over the years, and today a substantial number of visitors to Qatar are business travellers. In fact, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy seeks to triple the number of business events tourists by 2030, contributing at least half of the country s revenue from tourism spending. As the official custodian of the business events sector, we at QTA work with local and international stakeholders to facilitate its development and sustainable growth. This involves empowering you, our partner, to increase your involvement in the national effort to promote Qatar as a premium destination for business events. Tourism and business events have risen in rank in Qatar s priorities, and a National Task Force formed by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Qatar has been charged with ensuring that tourism remains at the heart of all national projects. In this brochure, you will find out more about what you can do to support this drive. You will also learn how you can benefit from QTA s support, to tap into Qatar s potential and build the business events hub that we know it can be. We initiated this ambassador programme as part of our efforts to shape the tourism sector in Qatar by defining what Qatar will be known for in visitors minds for decades to come. By joining the Medyaf Programme, you become an ambassador for the Qatar Business Events Brand, helping us ensure that Qatar will be known for its hospitality, and for all the unique offerings that make it a reliable and attractive host for global events. I thank you for joining us, and wish you every success. Sincerely, Ahmed Al Obaidli Director of Exhibitions Qatar Tourism Authority Doha Bay, Qatar

3 What is the Business Events Sector? MICE is an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, and it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East region. As Qatar s strength lies more in hosting exhibitions and conferences also known as Business Events that is the sub-sector QTA focuses on. The Business Events sub-sector was established as a priority in Qatar s National Tourism Sector Strategy first published in 2014 as it is expected to play an important role in achieving the target of attracting 7-10 million visitors by Business Events are crucial for Qatar because they: 1 Position the country as a hub for global events and knowledge transfer. 2 Increase inbound spending by business events visitors, which includes attendees, speakers, exhibitors, conference planners, event organizers and everyone involved in organising and executing a business event. 3 Encourage event organising companies to set up in Qatar, generating hundreds of jobs. 4 Increase international exposure of Qatar s key industries, which in turn helps to attract investments. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Doha

4 What are Association Events? International associations are global organisations that enlist professionals in a particular field from all around the world as members. They hold annual meetings, which bring in thousands of members to the country hosting these meetings referred to as the host-country. How do Associations Select a Host Country? There are 3 ways in which a country can be selected to host an association s conference: Associations plan their annual meetings years in advance, visiting prospective host countries to assess how viable they are as candidates for hosting their conference. Depending on the size of the association, these conferences can bring up to $50 million in revenue to a host country, through visitors spending on hospitality, transportation, and retail. The association is in contact with local members and is engaging with them to showcase their country s merits. 1 Who is a Local Host? A local host is an organization that acts as a focal point between the host country and the association. This organization is usually in the same field as the association, and officially bids for hosting the event. It is also responsible for delivering a successful event, in collaboration with a professional conference organizer, should it win the right for the country to host the event. Mowasalat was the local host for the International Union for Public Transport s 3 rd Middle East congress. 2 Association meetings follow a Geographic rotation pattern. If it is Europe one year, it will be the Middle East the next, and then Americas and so on. Once a country in the Middle East has been selected, standard procedure dictates that another Middle Eastern country can be selected 4 years later. The local host simply extends an invitation to the international organisation to bring the event to Qatar. Non-members can sometimes apply. 3

5 How does the local host express interest and send a proposal? What is QTA s Role? Scenario One: A formal bid is required In this case, the association will outline what the bid should contain, either on its website or by ing local hosts in prospective host countries. A bid book contains clear information about the specific criteria of the event, and the local host will need to show how they can fulfill each of those criteria to win the bid. Scenario Two: A simple proposal is required In this scenario, the association may or may not request proposals. The local host proactively sends a proposal to the association to host their event in Qatar. Usually a proposal contains: - A proposal on the venue - Information on the potential hotels - An official endorsement letter - Other official support letters from different stakeholders, such as QTA, Qatar Airways, and industry partners QTA will support members of the Medyaf Programme and help prepare them for their role as ambassadors for Qatar as a business events destination potential through: Education and training Assistance in the preparation of bid documents, a bid strategy, financial analysis, bid marketing and by handling all bid related travel Lobbying with international, regional and local entities Coordination with Business Events stakeholders/partners inside Qatar Ongoing guidance and support from our dedicated Business Events team What is the Local Host s Role? To invite associations to host their meetings in Qatar To become a member of international associations/organisations To present success stories on how to host an international convention to your colleagues/potential future hosts To act as a local host, to represent Qatar and engage in attracting international business events to Qatar To assist in the promotion of Qatar as a meeting destination through your professional networks To collaborate with local business events stakeholders in developing and submitting a bid, when necessary, to an international association in order to win Qatar the right to host a global business event What s in it For You? Participating in the process of bringing a global event to Qatar provides you with enormous exposure as you will be helping Qatar achieve one of its national priorities while establishing important links with international organisations. In particular, joining and supporting the Medyaf Programme helps you to achieve: Official recognition of your efforts in bringing global events to Qatar Official recognition of your efforts in the post-event legacy for Qatar Opportunities to network with international industry peers and politicians Media publicity and raised profile High profile awards ceremony amongst peers and government leaders, special access to VIP events

6 Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha

7 Success Story Event: Global District Energy Climate Awards Ceremony Year: 2017 Number of Delegates: 350 Silke Schlinnertz, Head of Operations & Events, Euroheat & Power, facilitator of the Global District Energy Climate Awards: Our local host Marafeq had put together a great initial proposal allowing Doha to be shortlisted for a site inspection. The site-inspection gave me a glimpse of what Doha has to offer and provided a very enjoyable and memorable time. I d like to thank formally Qatar Tourism Authority and their staff, who were very helpful and dealt with any enquiries promptly and efficiently. Both the local host Marafeq and Qatar Tourism Authority had an open ear for suggestions and have worked hand-inhand to produce a high standard winning bid. Congratulations to both again! Venue: Grand Hyatt Doha Step 1: Marafeq submitted the first proposal, which included support letters from QTA and Qatar Airways and was shortlisted along with Singapore Step 2: Association visited Qatar to perform site inspections with QTA s facilitation Robin Wiltshire, Chairman of the 5th Global District Energy Climate Awards: We were particularly impressed with the local support proposed as well as QTA s suggestions for the overall programme. Therefore, we believe that Qatar is the ideal location for the 5 th edition of the Global District Energy Climate Awards. The local host Marafeq was able to highlight key strengths for Qatar and especially Doha Lusail City in the bid documents and we are excited at the prospect of working with you and meeting with our peers from all around the world. Step 3: Marafeq submitted their final bid proposal Step 4: Qatar won the bid

8 Contact Us P.O. Box 24624, Doha, Qatar Tel: Fax: Find Us /QTACorporate