DOHA: Qatar's hospitality sector is seen to grow by nine percent by the end of 2009 and has no intention of slowing down that the country is set to become a major tourism hub in the region. Because of these bright prospects, the Qatari government has earmarked more than $17bn as a fund to develop tourism facilities and infrastructure in an effort to diversify its economy.
Qatar is expected to produce substantial growth in hotel buildings due to several of the mega spurring projects such as The Pearl, Barwa, Al Khor, and Lusail which will soon bring an increase in the number of premium available rooms. Up to 14.000 new hotel rooms are under construction mounting up to 30,000 rooms on stream by the end of 2012.
Qatar aims at increasing the number of tourists to 1.5 million visitors per year, in addition to lengthening their average stay from 1.5 to four days according to the Qatar Tourism Authority. Consequently, a multitude of mega projects, new hotels, parks and recreational facilities are emerging in the Peninsula creating vast opportunities for the hospitality industry.
With this development, Qatar will host a hospitality trade show dubbed "Diyafa 2009" , the fourth consecutive edition, bringing together local and international brands of scale such as Nestle Professional, Boecker & Al Raed. "Diyafa 2009" will gather all hospitality and food-service industry key players under one roof showcasing the latest of their products & services.
Set on December 1-3 at the Doha Exhibition Center (DEC) the international hotel, restaurant and food exhibition will open its doors from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. During the exhibition several happenings will be concurrently held of which the Diyafa Matchmaking, Training, Salon Culinaire, and Table Art competitions. As its appellation clearly indicates the 'Matchmaking' event offers its participants the chance to meet with serious buyers with the purpose of generating business relationships for the short, medium and long term.
© The Peninsula 2009
