(TAN): Qatar Airways has partnered with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) to support a global start-up competition event hosted in Doha, an initiative led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The competition invites bright minds to pitch ideas toward accelerating sustainable development goals within the tourism industry.
From July to October, successful applicants will be selected based on pre-requisites such as innovative value-added solutions with the potential for international scalability. The final is set to be held in Doha, Qatar in February 2021 with flights, transportation and accommodation being provided by Qatar Airways and QNTC for the finalists.
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Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and QNTC Secretary General, Akbar Al Baker said: “…we are determined to play our role in supporting the UNWTO through this competition, upholding sustainability and innovation at the heart of the global economic recovery. We look forward to welcoming these bright minds to Doha, with the anticipation that they can accelerate their vision toward a sustainable future.”
The United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashviki, said: “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.”
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The national carrier of the State of Qatar will actively 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 jury. The UNWTO will advocate the best ideas to its Member States, Affiliate Members and investors, providing winners with a unique networking and matchmaking opportunity.
