Doha, April 22 (QNA) - HE Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji said that the State of Qatar places strong emphasis on supporting various economic sectors, particularly tourism, noting that plans are being developed to channel tourism events in a way that supports the hotel sector.

He said, during a meeting with a delegation from the Qatar Hotels Association led by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, that close cooperation between government entities and the private sector amid regional developments, particularly in hosting visitors, extending their stays, and providing high-quality services, has contributed to strengthening Qatar's image as a safe and reliable global tourism destination.

HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani emphasized the importance of enhancing public-private cooperation to address challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sector amid current regional conditions.

He praised government support for the private sector, stating that it helps strengthen stability and sustainability and reinforces its role as a key partner in economic development. He also noted that tourism is a strategic sector aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and called for closer coordination to overcome challenges and support the sector's growth.

He further highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Qatar Hotels Association and Qatar Tourism, noting that the establishment of a joint committee between the two sides represents a positive step toward improved coordination and a new phase of cooperation to develop the tourism and hospitality sector in line with visitor expectations.

For his part, Qatar Hotels Association Second Vice Chairman Omar Hussein Al Fardan said that tourism is a key pillar of the national economy.

He stated that strengthening joint work with Qatar Tourism and developing a clear strategy in the coming period would help achieve the objectives of the country's tourism strategy.

He praised Qatar Tourism's role in supporting the sector through promotional campaigns, event development, and cooperation with Qatar Airways to enhance transit tourism, adding that joint public-private efforts are capable of overcoming current challenges given Qatar's strong international reputation as a safe and stable tourism destination.

The Association's Secretary-General Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Fahd Al-Thani said the meeting served as a constructive platform to discuss key challenges facing the sector.

He noted that these challenges would be submitted to Qatar Tourism for coordination with relevant government entities to explore solutions, strengthening institutional cooperation between hotels and official bodies.

During the meeting, the Qatar Hotels Association presented an analytical review of the regional and Gulf tourism landscape, the impact of current conditions on the hotel sector, and measures adopted in neighboring countries.

It also included practical proposals aimed at reducing operational burdens and supporting sector recovery, in order to rebuild tourist confidence while leveraging Qatar's competitive position in the global travel market. (QNA)