The global spotlight turned to Qatar as it hosted the 2024 edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards in partnership with UN Tourism. The prestigious ceremony, held at the opulent Raffles Doha Ballroom, recognized the outstanding achievements and contributions of businesses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the country’s rapidly evolving tourism sector.
This marks the second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, a platform that highlights excellence, innovation, and sustainability across all touchpoints of Qatar’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. The event not only celebrated winners but also demonstrated Qatar’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations by promoting service quality, cultural richness, and forward-thinking strategies.
A Growing Tradition of Excellence
Launched as part of Qatar Tourism’s long-term strategy to boost the country’s international tourism profile, the awards attracted an impressive 1,200+ submissions in 2024, a significant rise from the first edition. This surge reflects both the rapid growth of Qatar’s tourism ecosystem and the growing interest of stakeholders to be recognized on a national and global stage.
The awards come at a time when Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom. Since 2019, international visitor arrivals to Qatar have grown by over 147%, driven by major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup 2023. With a diverse mix of high-end luxury experiences, cultural landmarks, family attractions, and sustainable tourism efforts, the country is becoming a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world.
An Evening of Recognition
The ceremony brought together government officials, industry leaders, influencers, and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration and recognition. Qatar Tourism Chairman, His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, opened the evening by applauding the dedication and hard work of tourism service providers across the nation.
“We are here to honor the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations that elevate Qatar’s tourism landscape,” he said. “With more than 1,200 applicants, the interest in this year’s awards is a testament to the growing desire for excellence in every part of the tourism journey.”
UN Tourism’s Executive Director Natalia Bayona also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of rewarding creativity, resilience, and quality in tourism globally. She noted that Qatar’s tourism development is not only impressive but also a model for emerging destinations.
“In today’s tourism environment, recognizing and empowering talent and innovation is essential,” Bayona stated. “Qatar’s efforts represent a modern vision of tourism—sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
New Categories Reflect Industry Evolution
One of the major updates to the 2024 edition was the expansion of award categories. While the inaugural awards focused primarily on service excellence, the 2024 program featured seven diverse categories to better represent the various elements that make up a memorable visitor experience:
- Service Excellence
- Gastronomic Experiences
- Iconic Attractions
- World-Class Events
- Digital Footprint
- Smart and Sustainable Tourism
- Community Leadership
Each category was designed to celebrate different aspects of the tourism experience, from customer service and food quality to environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Spotlight on Culinary and Service Excellence
Qatar’s hospitality scene has flourished in recent years, and this was clearly evident in the winners of the Service Excellence and Gastronomic Experiences categories.
In the fine dining segment, Hakkasan was recognized for its impeccable food, ambiance, and customer service. For casual dining, Bayt El Talleh, known for its traditional yet modern take on regional cuisine, took the spotlight. Meanwhile, Evergreen Organics was awarded for being the top quick service provider, with its health-focused offerings and sustainability approach. The best café experience went to Qinwan Premium Dates, celebrated for combining tradition with hospitality.
These awards highlight Qatar’s growing reputation as a culinary destination, where innovation meets authenticity in both fine and casual dining experiences.
Celebrating Qatar’s Iconic Attractions and Events
Qatar’s cultural and recreational infrastructure continues to attract millions, and several venues were honored for their contribution to enhancing the nation’s image as a tourism hub.
Old Doha Port was named the best cultural tourism experience, offering visitors a perfect mix of heritage and modernity. For shopping and retail, Place Vendôme took top honors, blending luxury shopping with architectural beauty and entertainment.
On the events side, Doha Forum was recognized as the best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) event, while the highly successful AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 earned the top sports event award. Both events not only brought international visibility but also showcased Qatar’s ability to host large-scale, high-quality gatherings.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Qatar is not only focusing on luxury and infrastructure—it’s also investing in sustainable and smart tourism. The awards paid tribute to organizations and projects that are leading the way in eco-friendly practices and tech-driven experiences.
Msheireb Downtown Doha was recognized as the leading sustainable attraction, pioneering green architecture and community design in the Middle East. The Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel received the eco-friendly accommodation award, thanks to its long-term commitment to green operations and environmental awareness among staff and guests.
In the innovation segment, the Hayya platform was awarded for its tech-driven solutions that streamline visitor experiences, from visa processing to event access.
Promoting Community and Digital Influence
Tourism is not just about businesses—it’s also about communities and the people behind the scenes who make every experience unforgettable. The Community Leadership award recognized individuals and initiatives that empower local communities while creating inclusive tourism offerings.
Moreover, the Digital Footprint category honored influencers, content creators, and companies that use social media and digital platforms to promote Qatar globally, fostering a sense of connection and discovery for potential travelers.
Looking Toward the Future
The Qatar Tourism Awards not only serve as a recognition platform but also as an inspiration for the future. With such initiatives, Qatar is positioning itself as a regional leader in tourism development—one that values innovation, excellence, and sustainability.
As His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji noted during his closing remarks, these awards represent more than just accolades—they are a promise to continue delivering unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “Qatar will continue to invest, innovate, and lead in tourism, ensuring that excellence becomes the norm, not the exception.”
With increased global interest, robust infrastructure, and a strong cultural identity, Qatar is on track to become one of the world’s most dynamic and respected tourism destinations. The 2024 Qatar Tourism Awards were a celebration of that journey—and a preview of the bright future ahead.
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