Geneva show to launch Qatar sister event in 2022/23

AFTER a chaotic few years full of postponements, cancellations and rescheduling, the international motor show scene may actually come out of the COVID-19 era stronger than before, with a new show set to launch in either 2022 or 2023 as a sister event to the legendary Geneva show.

Planned to take place at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre in the Northern Hemisphere autumn of the mentioned years, the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show is the result of a new partnership between organisers of the Geneva show and Qatar Tourism to deliver “a new world-renowned motor show for the Middle East”.

At this stage the Qatar Geneva show will be a biennial event and, according to organisers, usher in a new format that should combine with the “glamorous Qatari” backdrop to stand out as “an essential calendar event” for exhibitors and car fans alike.

“We are very proud and honoured, that Qatar Tourism has put their trust in us for the conception of the new motor show in Doha,” said Geneva international motor show permanent committee president Maurice Turrettini at the show’s announcement event.

“Our partnership is the result of very trusting and constructive discussions from day one. 

“The joint forces with Qatar Tourism empower us to focus on the upcoming 91st edition of Geneva international motor show in February 2022, where we will be able to gather ideas and learnings for the new motor show in Doha.”

Qatar Tourism president Akbar Al Baker was equally enthusiastic about the partnership and said the new show would form a key part of the ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’ tourism strategy.

“In addition to extensive hotel and resort development, the refurbishment and creation of tourism assets and an expanding culinary scene, hosting internationally renowned events is an important pillar of our strategy,” he said.

“We’re pleased to partner with the highly distinguished Geneva International Motor Show and look forward to a collaborative relationship to bring this eminent event to our shores … we are expanding our tourism proposition to position Qatar as a world-leading destination and ensure guests enjoy the very best of Qatar.”

While the Doha event will be held every two years, the Geneva show will continue as an annual exhibition, with next year’s edition set to run between February 19-27 after being cancelled in both 2020 and 2021.