The opening of QIFF 2015 at the Museum of Islamic Art park attracted a large number of visitors. PICTURE: Najeer Feroke.

By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter

Live entertainment, culinary feast and a spectacular fireworks display highlighted the opening of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2015 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha on Tuesday.
Thousands of visitors from different parts of the globe converged on the venue to savour a varied culinary fare offered by five-star hotels and restaurants.
HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, led the QIFF 2015 inauguration. She was joined by HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Art, and Heritage; Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi; Turkish ambassador Ahmet Demirok; and Qatar Airways chief commercial officer Marwan Koleilat.
The dignitaries also toured different zones at the venue. Al-Mohannadi stated that this year's five-day festival is unique in terms of form and content.
“Such events undoubtedly contribute to supporting QTA in its efforts to develop a sustainable tourism sector," said al-Mohannadi.
"QTA seeks to carry out its mission by establishing co-operative ties with public and private sector partners, such as Qatar Airways, to attract regional and international visitors."
He noted that they recorded a surge in the number of visitors due to Qatar’s entertainment and cultural tourism offerings.
QTA had been exerting "huge efforts to support this sector to promote Qatar as an international hub that is capable of providing tourists with authentic experiences."
In a statement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker expressed confidence that this year's QIFF will see unprecedented turnout with more wholesome entertaining activities.
"We seek to present the original Qatari hospitality and premium services offered on our flights to the festival’s visitors," he said.
"Guests will have the chance to taste the food we offer on our Business Class menu, while enjoying a spectacular view of Doha from 60m up," he said referring to the Dinner in the Sky Zone, sponsored by the airline.
QA has also invited its celebrity chefs who started cooking delicious recipes at the Cooking Theatre zone on Tuesday.
The QIFF also has an International Cuisine Zone which hosts artistic shows from around the world throughout the event.
Traditional Qatari Ardha dance and Turkish folk performances also entertained visitors and guests at the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture Zone.
Al-Mohannadi said ‘‘QIFF provides an opportunity for Qatar's hospitality sector to present its world-class food and beverage services, attracting visitors from different cultures from across the globe to experience and enjoy mouth-watering international dishes.’’

Compared to 2014, this year's event has seen a 15% increase in the number of food kiosks and a larger number of international celebrity chefs as well as special entertainment, he added.