HH The Amir sets up ‘National Tourism Council’ in place of Qatar Tourism Authority

HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Decision No 74 of 2018 yesterday, formally setting up the National Tourism Council (NTC).

According to the decision, the new council will have a legal identity as well as a budget within Qatar’s general annual budget. It will pertain to the cabinet and will have its headquarters in Qatar, with other offices outside the nation, reported Gulf Times.

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued the Amiri Decision No.74 of 2018 establishing National Tourism Council today.

— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 4, 2018

The decision will become effective the following day to its publication in the official gazette. 

HH the Amir also issued Decision No 75 of 2018 to form the Board of Directors of the NTC.

HH the Amir issued the Amiri Decision No.75 of 2018 to form the Board of Directors of the National Tourism Council. The Board is to be chaired by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, the Prime Minister, with HE Ali Sharif Al Emadi, Minister of Finance as Vice Chairman.

— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 4, 2018

The decision stipulates that the Board of Directors of the NTC included the membership of:

- HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of @MCSQA.
- HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of @MOTC_QA.
- HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce & Industry.

— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 4, 2018

The decision also included the membership of:

- HE Akbar Al Baker, @QatarAirways' GCEO.
- HE Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed Al Thani, Director of @GCOQatar.
- HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of #KataraHospitality.
- Two representatives from the private tourism sector.

— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 4, 2018

According top it, the Board of Directors of the NTC will be chaired by Qatar’s Prime Minister. While the Minister of Finance will be the NTC’s Vice-Chairman, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Minister of Transport and Communications, Minister of Commerce and Industry, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, director of Government Communications Office, Chairman of Katara Hospitality Company and two representatives from the private tourism sector (to be selected by the Chairman) will be the other members of the NTC, according to Qatar Tribune.

The council will aim to grow tourism in the country as well as promote it across the world. It will also be in charge of formulating comprehensive development plans for tourism.

HH the Amir issues law No. 20 of 2018 on Tourism Regulation. As well as, law No.21 of 2018 on organizing business events.

— National Tourism Council - المجلس الوطني للسياحة (@NTC_Qatar) November 4, 2018

The tenure of the Board of Directors will be four years and will be renewable for a similar period.

The Qatar Tourism Authority will cease to exist and all its duties and functions will be passed on to the new entity.

The NTC is expected to focus its attention on strategic planning, attracting investments, developing and delivering festivals, regulatory affairs, and enhancing visitor experience at every point.