TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How important is the MICE sector to your business and in your opinion to the ongoing success and ambitious targets of Qatar’s tourism industry?

YULIA CHELYAKOVA: With an increasing number of business conferences hosted every year, The St. Regis Doha has successfully positioned itself as the finest destination in Qatar for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. The finest address in Qatar, boasts seven meeting rooms, the biggest ballroom with natural daylight and a large terrace by the Olympic size pool as well as world-class leisure facilities.

It is no doubt that the MICE business growth will help the country to diversify its economy and guarantee steady growth of hospitality sector, positioning Qatar as a world-class touristic hub aiming at realising the National Vision 2030 by tripling the number of business events tourists by 2030, contributing at least half of the country’s revenue from tourism spending.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Qatar Tourism Authority aims to triple the number of business events tourists by 2030, contributing at least half of the country’s revenue from tourism spending. In your opinion what is it that makes Qatar stand out as a MICE destination?

YULIA CHELYAKOVA: The country’s extensive exhibition and function facilities include five star hotels offering high level of services to business travellers and world-class venues such as Qatar National Convention Centre and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Moreover, the country is expanding its transport network, Qatar Airways offers routes up to 150 destinations worldwide allowing easy connection to Doha from various parts of the world.

Exquisite leisure facilities available in most of the five star hotels, a wide range of activities such as golf, water sports, trips to a local camel-racing event, falcon hunting, and dhow dinner cruises make it possible to combine business with leisure. All the above combined with sun, good weather, sea and leisure make Qatar stand out as the perfect MICE destination attracting different markets.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What kind of facilities / services do you offer to cater for the MICE client?

YULIA CHELYAKOVA: Located in the exclusive West Bay District, The St. Regis Doha is just 10 minutes away from the Katara Cultural Village and the Business District of Doha. All 336 guest rooms and suites offer a view of the Arabian Gulf and are decorated with opulent fabrics and fine furnishings that summon a sense of refined elegance.

With a splendid heritage dating back more than 100 years to the grand opening of The St. Regis New York by the esteemed Astor family, St. Regis incorporates rich traditions into every aspect of customer service, from its century-old butler service to the Rolls Royce limousine service, to a tradition of fresh flowers in every room. The St. Regis Doha has over 4,500 m2 of event space dedicated to an impressive ballroom and seven exquisitely appointed breakout rooms.

We deliver an unmatched excellence in hospitality and elegance. Whether our clients are planning a social event for a large number of special guests or a meeting with a few select business partners, they are invited to experience our unique splendour and majestic luxury.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are your future plans which aim to further boost MICE sector in the country and attract more corporate travellers from the regional and international market?

YULIA CHELYAKOVA: With 80 countries eligible for a visa waiver, Qatar is now the most open country in the region. This will allow us to shift our focus on emerging markets such as India, Russia and China.

We always look at the latest trends and best practices not only in the region but also at the global level, and we also make sure we remain focused on large-scale international events.