The sixth annual Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) took off to a spectacular start yesterday, delighting hundreds of visitors with an equal fusion of food and entertainment.

Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways (QA), the five-day event at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park is the longest edition yet to bolster food tourism as a vital component of the growing tourism sector.

H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, QM, opened the festival along with Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage

H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, QTA Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Demirok and QA Chief Commercial Officer Marwan Koleilat. QTA Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer Rashed Al Qurese, QTA Chief Tourism Development Officer Hassan Al Ibrahim, QA Senior Vice- President Commercial – Qatar Ehab Amin and QA Senior Vice-President Marketing and Corporate Communications Salam Al Shawa were also present.

“This year’s festival is unique in terms of form and content. Such events contribute to supporting QTA in its efforts to develop a sustainable tourism sector. QTA seeks to carry out its mission by establishing cooperative ties with public and private sector partners such as QA to attract regional and international visitors,” said Al Mohannadi.

Hundreds of enthusiasts queued at stalls to try out affordable food and beverages offered by five-star hotels and renowned outlets. They also enjoyed entertainment from Turkish stiltwalkers and Chef Orchestra’s classical musicians and singers in addition to Ardha and multicultural dancers and break dance performers.

A breathtaking five-minute fireworks display added colour and vibrancy to the event. The pyrotechnic display will be held every night at the festival.

“Qatar’s entertainment and cultural tourism sector is witnessing a surge in the number of visitors. For this reason, we exert efforts to support the sector by promoting Qatar as an international hub capable of providing tourists with authentic experiences, thus offering entertainment activities suiting all family members,” added Al Mohannadi.

QA Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “We are proud to be co-organisers of the festival, along with QTA. We are confident that it will witness an unprecedented turnout, especially due to entertainment activities targeting all family members.” With 48 stalls in nine zones, the festival is open to the public from 1.30pm to 10.30 until Saturday.

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QNE

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