The role airlines play in advancing the business events industry in the Middle East was highlighted in a session at the 63rd ICCA Congress 2024.
Kashif Khalid, regional director for the Middle East and Africa at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), emphasised that Middle Eastern airlines, with their extensive network and flight schedules, have greatly enhanced access to the region for business events.
Matt Raos, senior vice president at Qatar Airways, noted that the airline is more than just a transportation provider.
Qatar Airways actively supports the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which aims to attract six million visitors annually by 2030, with 25 per cent of them being business event delegates.
Reflecting on the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Raos explained how the collaboration between Qatar Airways, the government, and various stakeholders ensured a seamless experience for visitors. The event not only showcased Qatar’s capability to host large-scale international events, but also generated a positive spillover across the region. Many fans extended their trips to explore neighbouring Middle Eastern countries.
Karina Lance, associate vice president at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said regional governments are making significant investments in infrastructure development, including in the aviation sector. Airline expansions across the Middle East and improvements in airport experiences are also playing a critical role in accelerating this growth.
