Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Georgetown University Qatar (GU-Q) are collaborating to support local tourism and hospitality professionals in bringing their brands to life through a three-day ‘executive seminar.’
Registration is now open for the course dubbed as “Creating Authentic Brand Experiences in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector,” which will be delivered by GU-Q’s hospitality management faculty, in partnership with QTA and key members of the industry.
Through hands-on training and interactive discussions, participants will explore how tourism and hospitality professionals can shape a traveller’s journey through Qatar by creating memorable and authentic experiences.
The programme, which takes place from May 9 to 11, includes a one-day ‘executive seminar’ followed by a two-day workshop and site visits to culture and tourism landmarks.
In addition, a collaborative networking event on May 9 will feature renowned chefs, restauranteurs and local suppliers. It will explore ways in which Qatari and Qatari-inspired cuisine can enhance the visitor experience.  
“Our work to develop Qatar as a modern tourism hub with deep cultural roots depends on the professionals within the various sectors that travellers to the country interact with,” QTA’s chief tourism development officer Hassan al-Ibrahim said, adding: “Each of us has a role to play in offering authentic experiences to Qatar’s tourists.”
“We are grateful to our partners at GU-Q for contributing the expertise and unique insights of its master’s in hospitality management programme faculty to the conversation around this topic,” he added.
GU-Q’s Continuing and Executive Education acting associate dean Dr Veronica Donahue hopes the programme will lead to more co-operation in this field.
“Today’s hospitality leaders have an ever-evolving set of challenges that include expanding customer segments, to analysing emerging trends and brand saturation in a global economy,” she said. To overcome these challenges, she noted that the hospitality industry faces a growing need for innovative leaders who can guide the industry forward.
Dr Donahue believes GU-Q’s Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management delivers unique executive educational opportunities across the globe and in Qatar.
“Central to the university’s mission is to tap into our academic expertise in ways that will contribute to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030. We hope that this is the first of many more opportunities for collaboration with the QTA and other valued partners,” she added.
The course targets executives, managers, planners and sales and marketing teams from across the tourism and hospitality sector, including airlines and other transport, hotels, cultural institutions, destination management companies, tour operators, exhibition and event organisers, event venues, food and beverage outlets, and real estate developers.
Due to limited space, only those who receive e-mail confirmation will be officially registered and able to attend.