The Qatari Hotels Association (QHA), led by its chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, recently convened with HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism, to discuss the current state and future prospects of the tourism and hospitality sector amid prevailing regional developments. The meeting aimed to reinforce cooperation between public and private sectors to address challenges impacting the industry.

Sheikh Faisal emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration to overcome obstacles affecting stability and sustainability within the hospitality sector. He praised government entities for their ongoing support, noting that such partnerships are vital in ensuring the private sector's resilience. He also reiterated the tourism sector’s strategic role in driving economic growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Chairman al-Kharji echoed the government's commitment to fostering economic diversification through targeted support of key sectors, particularly tourism. He highlighted plans to align tourism events and government initiatives more closely with the needs of the hotel industry, underscoring the sector’s foundational role in the national tourism economy.

The meeting included key officials such as Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, chief of the Tourism Development Sector; Engineer Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar; and Abdullah Mohammed al-Falasi, director of the Office of the Chairman of Qatar Tourism. Among QHA representatives were founding member Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad al-Thani, second vice chairman Omar Hussein Alfardan, and secretary general Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Fahd al-Thani. Also present were founding members Sheikh Falah bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal al-Thani, Sheikh Nayef bin Eid al-Thani, Mohammed al-Jaidah, Fahad Abdullah al-Mana, Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company CEO Tarek el-Sayed, hospitality sector executives, Katara Hospitality representatives, and QHA general manager Sarah Abdullah.

Sheikh Faisal reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the private sector and highlighted the importance of tourism as a key contributor to economic development. He called for intensified cooperation to enhance the sector’s growth and resilience.

Omar Hussein Alfardan underscored tourism’s importance as a pillar of the national economy and expressed optimism that a clear, strategic approach in collaboration with Qatar Tourism would advance the goals of the national tourism strategy. He also commended Qatar Tourism’s efforts in supporting the sector through promotional campaigns, event development, and partnerships with Qatar Airways aimed at boosting transit tourism.

Sheikh Hamad described the meeting as a constructive forum for identifying and addressing the sector’s primary challenges. He indicated that the issues raised would be formally presented to Qatar Tourism, which would coordinate with relevant government bodies to implement solutions and strengthen institutional ties between hotels and official entities.