Qatar defends itself against all criticisms alleging discrimination or abuse
As the FIFA 2022 World Cup was ongoing in Qatar, City of London transport authority Transport for London (TfL) - which is chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan - this week banned the Gulf state's tourism advertising from buses, taxis and subway trains.
Motive for this move is said to be concerns on the part of TfL management over the position the government of Qatar has taken on LGBT+ rights and the treatment of migrant workers.
The Qatari sovereign wealth fund is one of the biggest investors in London, owning all or a major part of things including:
- Harrods department store
- 72-story The Shard skyscraper
- Canary Wharf
- Savoy Hotel
- Grosvenor House hotel
- Heathrow Airport
- Sainsbury supermarket chain
Per TfL, prior to the start of the Cup, the transit body had provided advertisers with guidance on what advertising would be considered acceptable to run during the tournament. And that advertising promoting travel to Qatar or tourism in Qatar, or that portrays Qatar as a desirable destination, would not be considered acceptable.
A Qatari spokesperson is quoted as saying the ad ban is being interpreted by his government as meaning that "Qatari business is not welcome in London."
Is this how the future of tourism advertising is going to be? Watch this space for updates.
