*Programme aimed at preparing the tourism sector to welcome visitors again
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.
HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari said: "We welcome the implementation of the 'Qatar Clean' programme and are pleased to co-operate 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."
HE the Secretary-General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways Group, Akbar al-Baker, 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 the QNTC and the MoPH, 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 a 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 2m between individuals.
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 health ministry 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.
