The Qatar MICE market involves planning and execution of meetings, events, conferences, tradeshows, exhibitions, and incentive travels within the country. The MICE industry serves to foster business networking and knowledge sharing opportunities through traveling experiences. Some key advantages of the Qatar MICE market include its strategic location between Europe and Asia, world-class facilities and infrastructure, ease of travel owing to a centralized airport, and promotional campaigns by the government to boost tourism and foreign investments. The growth of industries such as oil & gas, real estate, and healthcare has increased the need for professional conferences and meetings in Qatar.
The Global Qatar MICE Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1.93 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Qatar MICE market are Renault SA, PSA Group, Tata Motors, Changan Automobile, BAIC Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., Volkswagen AG, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Hyundai Motor Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Mitsubishi Motors, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda Motor Corporation, Subaru Corporation, Isuzu Motors Ltd, Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Key opportunities in the Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Market Size include development of new offshore medical cities, hosting of large sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, expansion of shopping mall space, growth of knowledge-based sectors, and increasing FDIs from Europe and Asia. Technological innovations such as virtual and hybrid events, virtual tour platforms, and digital ticketing solutions are also gaining traction in Qatar’s MICE industry.
Market drivers:
Rapid economic growth supported by abundant oil and gas reserves has increased disposable incomes and spending power in Qatar. The government is undertaking massive infrastructure developments to promote Qatar as a global business hub in the region. Mega projects such as new hotels, commercial districts, city expansions are expected to provide meaningful opportunities for MICE planners. Additionally, promotional campaigns by Qatar National Tourism Council through global partnerships are helping expand the outreach of the country’s meetings industry.
Current Challenges in Qatar MICE Market
The Qatar MICE market is currently facing challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The travel restrictions and lockdowns imposed globally have severely impacted the events and exhibitions industry. Many scheduled conferences and exhibitions in Qatar were either postponed or cancelled in the last two years. This has negatively impacted the revenue and growth of players operating in this market. As the pandemic is still ongoing in some parts of the world, uncertainty around future travel continues to hamper the market’s recovery. Gradually lifting travel curbs and vaccination drives can help restore confidence among organizers and participants.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Qatar’s stable political and economic conditions make it an attractive MICE destination. Abundant finances allow massive investments in infrastructure development.
Weakness: Dependency on oil & gas revenues exposes economy to global commodity price fluctuations. Limited local population restricts the development of domestic MICE market.
Opportunity: ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’ aims to diversify economy through industries like tourism and logistics. Upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022 presents a major opportunity to promote Qatar’s MICE capabilities.
Threats: Regional geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions pose challenges. Slow global economic recovery in post-pandemic period can dampen international leisure and business travel.
Geographical Regions
In terms of value, the GCC region including Qatar currently accounts for the bulk of the MICE market share in Qatar. Being an oil-rich nation, Qatar offers lucrative incentives and state-of-the-art infrastructure to host regional and international events. However, with its efforts to diversify the economy, Qatar is aiming to boost other regions’ contributions as well.
The Asia Pacific region offers high growth potential for Qatar’s MICE industry. Countries like India, China and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members are major outbound tourism markets. Qatar is actively promoting itself as a preferred MICE hub to tap into Asia Pacific’s rising incomes and spending on business activities. This makes Asia Pacific the fastest growing region for Qatar’s MICE market over the forecast period.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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