Page 15 - July 2022 ATM Special Issue 608

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Philip Dickinson (VP International Markets at Qatar Tourism)

The World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to grow visitations into Qatar

and to experience the warmth and hospitality of the country

atar Tourism showcased its tourism developments at Arabian Travel
QMarket 2022(ATM), one of the first major travel trade shows in Dubai.
The Qatar Tourism delegation was led by Philip Dickinson, Vice President
International Markets of Qatar Tourism, along with several of his colleagues.
The event presented itself as a platform to reconnect with the travel trade part-
ners and media in the market, and an opportunity to showcase the diverse
offerings and experiences Qatar has to offer.
Dickinson declared that Qatar Tourism is pleased to be part of ATM 2022, to
highlight the various facets that Qatar offers, not just in the lead-up to the
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, but beyond. He said the aim is to leverage
Qatar’s tourism assets based on six demand spaces identified in line with the
Qatar National Vision 2030. With the launch of new hotels, theme parks, cul-
tural hotspots, retail outlets, leisure projects and more, Qatar ready to host the
world’s biggest sporting event.
Al Bayan Magazine met Philip Dickinson and following is the interview con-
ducted.

• What are the main topics that you discussed during the Arabian Unlike previous FIFA World Cups, all the stadiums in Qatar are within
Travel Market? easy reach of one another, meaning fans will be able to attend more
- We talked to key tour operator partners, travel agencies and trade than one match a day during the group stage, and stay in the same
media about getting Qatar and its incredible products on sale through accommodation.
their distribution channels, pre and post the FIFA World Cup Qatar
2022TM. • What kind of experiences are you going to focus on?
Qatar has been busy with the FIFA World Cup preparations, ensuring - We hope fans will take advantage of their time in Qatar by enjoying
the infrastructure and stadiums are ready. Preparations include 100 the warm Qatari welcome and experiencing the local culture and attrac-
new hotels, new attractions, such as Winter Wonderland, plus our fan- tions. There is so much on offer, including museums, souks, desert
tastic new metro, which will transport fans between five of the eight sta- experiences, dining, shopping, art and culture.
diums. We want to build on the legacy of this global event to increase
our tourism arrivals - the World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to mas- • Any last message?
sively grow awareness and visitations to Qatar. - A major event like the World Cup helps to build awareness of our
beautiful country and we’re looking forward to welcoming all visitors to
• How are you preparing yourself to host this event? Qatar to immerse themselves in our rich culture and heritage.
- Planning and preparation have been going on for 12 years, since Qatar The World Cup is a springboard towards helping us meet our target of
won the bid to host the tournament in December 2022 and I’ve just out- welcoming six million visitors a year by 2030. We feel this goal is
lined the massive infrastructure development underway to host fans. achievable by continuing to work closely with our travel trade partners
The FIFA World Cup 2022TM never fails to generate global excitement and increasing sales to Qatar.
and attract millions of visitors from around the world to the host nation. This goal is also supported by our national carrier Qatar Airways, the
For Qatar, it is an even more significant moment, as the country hosts World’s Best Airline 2021 by Skytrax, which continues to add more
the first ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, giving routes and connects Qatar with all corners of the globe via Hamad
supporters the opportunity to experience the history and culture of International Airport, the World’s Best Airport, according to the
Qatar. That is fantastic not just for Qatar, but for the wider region. 2021World Airport Awards.

15 AL BA Y AN ECONOMIC MAG - ISSUE 608 - JULY 2022