Doha, November 23 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 will open Monday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, bringing together 300 exhibitors from more than 60 countries.

The new edition is set to be one of the region's leading travel and tourism events, uniting national tourism boards, hospitality brands, travel companies, innovators and cultural institutions. Organisers say the expo will offer a dynamic platform for building partnerships, exchanging ideas and exploring global destinations.

Rawad Sleem, co-founder and general manager of NextFairs, the organising company, said the event represents a milestone in strengthening Qatar's position as one of the world's most vibrant tourism hubs. "The Qatar Travel Mart 2025 is a major step in enhancing Qatar's standing among the world's most dynamic tourism centres," he said. "With 300 exhibitors, 300 senior executives, and participants from more than 60 countries, the expo reflects growing global confidence in Qatar's tourism vision."

Sleem added that the accompanying conference - organised in partnership with the World Leisure Organisation - will be held under the theme "The Evolution of Travel, Cultural Tourism, Sustainability, and Wellness Tourism in an Interconnected World." The program will include the Green Destinations Awards, a Global Village, international pavilions and participation from 10 specialised sectors, alongside a dedicated platform for innovation, collaboration and business growth.

Meanwhile, HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of Visit Qatar, said the organisation's role as strategic partner comes in line with its commitment to supporting the growth of the tourism and travel sector. "This year's expo offers wide prospects for collaboration, knowledge exchange and business opportunities," he said. "Our pavilion will bring together many of our key partners in tourism development, aligned with our strategy to diversify offerings and enhance Qatar's readiness to welcome visitors from around the world."

The expo is expected to attract around 12,000 visitors, with national pavilions showcasing destinations, cultural identity, investment opportunities and newly designed experiences for international travellers.

The conference program will feature a series of sessions led by global experts, tackling issues shaping the future of travel - including sustainable development, digital transformation, destination competitiveness, traveller behaviour and regional cooperation. The discussions aim to generate innovative and actionable solutions for the sector. (QNA)