Initiative introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health in line with the sector framework to boost domestic tourism
Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), has launched the first phase of the “Qatar Clean” programme in all hotels across the country. The multi-phased programme is aimed at preparing the tourism sector to welcome visitors once again.
The first stage of the programme focuses on protecting the safety of hospitality workers and guests by setting standards for sterilisation and disinfection that all hotel establishments must adhere to. It complies with MOPH guidelines on reducing the spread of Covid-19 and further complements independent measures already being undertaken by hotels. Hotels meeting the requirements will be certified "Qatar Clean", assuring the public that they are able to provide a safe experience for guests.
Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health said: “We welcome the implementation of the Qatar Clean programme and are pleased to cooperate with the National Tourism Council to provide a safe and healthy tourism experience for the residents of Qatar in all the country’s hotels. We will study the expansion of the initiative and its potential application in other sectors, in order to ensure our continued success in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and maintaining the health and well-being of the people of Qatar.”
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways Group, remarked: “We are pleased to launch the Qatar Clean programme and delighted by the support we have received from the Ministry of Public Health. We are confident that this will engender trust in safe tourism in Qatar. The Qatar Clean programme is one of many initiatives by QNTC, in collaboration with our partners, to help the sector welcome back visitors; first from Qatar, and when conditions allow, from the rest of the world.”
According to the instructions of Qatar National Tourism Council and the Ministry of Public Health, the hotels are applying the following guidelines:
1. Each hotel facility is appointing a Qatar Clean Programme Manager who will be responsible for overseeing employee training and overall compliance with the programme requirements.
2. As part of the programme, hotels have to sterilise their facilities daily, conduct frequent and thorough cleaning, use disinfectant in all rooms, air conditioning systems, equipment, water tanks, toilets, and ensure stringent sterilisation of designated guest areas, especially reception halls and lobbies.
3. The use of elevators by multiple guests at the same time will be prohibited, with a maximum capacity of 30% allowed.
4. In order to reduce contact with guests, hotels have to adopt mobile or other contactless procedures for check in and check out, while optimising spaces to maintain a distance of at least two metres between individuals.
5. Hotels must carry out daily temperature checks on all employees at the start of their shifts, as well as on suppliers and guests. Anyone exhibiting symptoms must immediately be placed in isolation, and the Ministry of Public Health will be contacted.
Joint committees from QNTC and MOPH will continue to inspect hotels and their facilities to ensure programme standards are being applied and adhered to, and penalties will be imposed on violators.
For media-related inquiries, please contact QNTC’s Press Office on:
+974 4499 7882 or +974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
About Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC)
Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.
QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase visitor spending.
Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 14 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with the government designating tourism in 2017 a priority sector in pursuit of a more diverse economy and more active private sector.
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