AMBASSADORS OF TASTE FOR THE GLOBAL GASTRONOMY® HONORS VISIT QATAR AT HOSPITALITY QATAR 2026

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VISIT QATAR — AN OPEN BRIDGE TO THE WORLD
A Meeting Point for Nations. A Platform for Peace. A Celebration of Culinary Heritage.

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HOSPITALITY QATAR 2026 — AN INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

The 11th edition of Hospitality Qatar, held from October 12 to 14, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), built on a decade of achievement, showcasing the continued evolution of the hospitality industry in Qatar and beyond.

Over the past ten years, Hospitality Qatar has established itself as a premier meeting point for industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from around the world. By creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships, the exhibition has supported the sector’s development while reinforcing Qatar’s standing as an international destination for hospitality, gastronomy, and business events.

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Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® — Organization & Guide
Authentic World Taste Organization® (AWT) — Premium Product Certifiers

Preserving the world’s culinary heritage and advancing international dialogue through gastronomy, culture, and tourism.

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Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® serves as an international platform for public-private cooperation, providing a collaborative space for culinary and tourism professionals to exchange expertise and advance shared goals.

“Our goal is to establish trust, create transformative initiatives, and build lasting partnerships that will shape the future of global gastronomy while safeguarding the diverse culinary identities, knowledge, and traditions passed down through generations.”

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Philip Koutras, founder of Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® and Authentic World Taste Organization® (AWT), presented senior officials of Visit Qatar with two official recognitions during Hospitality Qatar 2026: the prestigious AMBASSADOR OF GLOBAL TASTE™ International Certification Mark — 5 STAR SIGNAGE for 2027 and the AUTHENTIC WORLD TASTE® (AWT) distinction for 2027.

These distinctions recognize Visit Qatar’s outstanding global contribution to preserving culinary heritage and building bridges between nations through gastronomy, tourism, and cultural exchange.

 

Furthermore, these recognitions highlight Qatar as a must-visit travel destination, inviting travelers from around the world to experience its exceptional hospitality, vibrant culinary scene, and rich cultural heritage.

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Hospitality Qatar: An International Platform for Excellence and Cooperation

Philip Koutras was invited to participate in Hospitality Qatar 2026, held from October 12 to 14, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), as the founder of Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy®, an official Gastronomy Partner of the exhibition. The event brought together hospitality professionals, businesses, and representatives from numerous countries.

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Following the opening ceremony, Mr. Koutras delivered a keynote address highlighting Qatar’s important role in international tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality. He emphasized the country’s growing position as a global hub for business and intercultural dialogue, underlining the power of tourism and gastronomy to connect nations, generate economic opportunities, and encourage mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation.

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With its international participation and strong professional presence, Hospitality Qatar provided a valuable platform for business meetings, networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of international partnerships.

The exhibition reinforced Qatar’s position as a meeting point for the hospitality and tourism industries, connecting markets, businesses, and professionals while opening doors to future cooperation.

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Philip Koutras stated:

“Qatar’s strength as an international tourism destination lies in its ability to combine world-class hospitality with a distinctive cultural identity. By placing gastronomy and authentic visitor experiences at the heart of its tourism offering, Qatar strengthens its global appeal, encourages cultural exchange, and creates lasting value for visitors, businesses, and local communities. I extend my sincere thanks to the organizers of Hospitality Qatar for this valuable opportunity to share our vision and celebrate the role of gastronomy in connecting cultures and advancing international tourism. I also extend my sincere thanks to Mrs. Zarmig Halladjian - official Ambassador of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® - Gold Medallist for 2026 for her valued support and contribution to this special occasion.”

 

Developing Tourism Destinations Through Gastronomy

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A central mission of Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® is to develop and strengthen tourism destinations through gastronomy. This mission complements the international work of Authentic World Taste Organization® (AWT) to promote product authenticity and protect culinary heritage.

This shared vision centers on transforming a destination’s authentic gastronomic identity—its culinary traditions, local products, chefs, producers, and hospitality experiences—into a compelling reason for international travelers to visit.

By integrating gastronomy into destination promotion and tourism development, the organizations seek to strengthen international visibility, distinguish destinations in the global market, attract visitors, and generate opportunities for local businesses and communities.

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The objective is to make a destination’s gastronomy one of the principal reasons for the world to visit it.

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Through targeted international initiatives, institutional engagement, and professional networks, the organizations connect authentic culinary identity with destination branding, memorable visitor experiences, and sustainable tourism development.

International Certification, Recognition, and Global Networking

Recognition and certification of excellence across tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy form a fundamental part of this mission.

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Through their respective certification and recognition programs, Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® and Authentic World Taste Organization® (AWT) recognize outstanding restaurants, hotels, chefs, authentic food products, tourism destinations, and distinguished representatives of gastronomy and hospitality.

Beyond certification, the organizations bring together destinations, hospitality businesses, chefs, producers, professionals, and institutions through an international network that encourages knowledge exchange, collaboration, business development, and greater global visibility.

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By combining recognition with meaningful international connections, the organizations position gastronomy as a strategic asset for destination development, a source of economic opportunity, and a bridge between cultures and markets.

Their mission is to transform authentic culinary identity into tourism value—and to connect the people and businesses capable of bringing that vision to life.

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Qatar — The Bridge to the World

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Qatar’s international outlook, hospitality, and welcoming spirit reflect the vision of a destination that connects cultures, markets, and opportunities.

Its role as an international meeting point demonstrates how tourism, hospitality, and business can encourage dialogue, strengthen relationships, and contribute to peaceful cooperation.

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The recognition of Visit Qatar celebrates the importance of preserving a destination’s authentic identity while offering exceptional experiences to international visitors. It also extends an invitation to travelers to discover Qatar through its cuisine, culture, and hospitality.

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QATAR — THE BRIDGE TO THE WORLD

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A destination that welcomes discovery, celebrates cultural exchange, and brings people together.

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Official websites:

https://visitqatar.com/

https://hospitalityqatar.com/

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Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy®
Authentic World Taste Organization® (AWT)

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• Developing tourism destinations through gastronomy.

• Promoting destinations worldwide. Protecting culinary heritage. Certifying excellence.

• Connecting restaurants, hotels, chefs, producers, destinations, and tourism leaders through an international network of collaboration and opportunity.

• Creating Destinations. Celebrating Authenticity. Connecting the World Through Taste.

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Official websites:

https://www.ambassadorsoftaste.com/

https://www.authenticworldtaste.com/

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