QATAR/INTERNATIONAL. Qatar Airways and Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) have teamed up to support a global start-up competition hosted in Doha, which aims to identify innovators whose ideas are focused on sustainability.
The competition – led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – is aimed at global entrepreneurs whose ideas contribute toward the achievement of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the tourism industry. They are expected to use state-of-the-art methods, governance structures and social impact initiatives, technological applications and other ways of chosen innovation.
The search began in July this year – running to 10 October – with successful applicants being selected according to factors such as innovative value-added solutions with the potential for international scalability.
Qatar Airways will be involved in the competition finals, with a representative from the airline evaluating the participating start-ups through various competition phases, as part of the judging panel. The finals event will be staged in Doha, Qatar in February 2021 with flights, transportation and accommodation provided by Qatar Airways and QNTC for the finalists.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on tourism, it also has made clear the important role tourism plays in every part of society. We commend the dedication of Qatar Airways to continuing to carry passengers safely throughout this time, and in the new reality that awaits us all.” – UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashviki
UNWTO will advocate the best ideas to its member states, affiliate members and investors, providing winners with a networking and matchmaking opportunity.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and QNTC Secretary General, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “During these challenging times, it is essential for nations to provide platforms where entrepreneurs can realise innovative ideas that align with the current necessities of the worldwide market.
“As a company that is moulded strongly by tourism, we are determined to play our role in supporting the United Nations World Tourism Organization through this competition, upholding sustainability and innovation at the heart of the global economic recovery.”
He added: “We look forward to welcoming these bright minds to Doha, with the anticipation that they can accelerate their vision toward a sustainable future.”
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashviki said: “We are committed to strengthening our long-standing partnership with both Qatar Airways and the Qatar National Tourism Council. Thank you for supporting this competition, the sustainable development goals and those entrepreneurs setting out to making tourism safer, more responsible and more sustainable.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on tourism, it also has made clear the important role tourism plays in every part of society. We commend the dedication of Qatar Airways to continuing to carry passengers safely throughout this time, and in the new reality that awaits us all.”
Innovators should apply through the competition’s website here, before 10 October 2020.
Another major competition involving Qatar Airways Group is The QDF Factor, an unprecedented initiative to encourage and champion creativity at a time when travel retail needs it most, having attracted a diverse and compelling array of entries.
The QDF Factor is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands and concepts, both within or outside the travel retail channel. It offers a top prize of a complimentary six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha.
The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report, including an eZine dedicated solely to the winning entry/entries and other high-profile visibility spots. The finalists will be revealed on the opening day of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo next Monday, 12 October, with the winner announced amid great fanfare on Friday, 16 October.