Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), has launched the Qatar Clean programme in all the hotels across the country, to reassure international visitors and boost the tourism sector.
The multi-phased programme has been developed following a review of the best safety initiatives from around the world, and a part of an extensive safety program across Qatar, to control the spread of COVID-19.
The Qatar Clean programme intends to maintain strict standards for hygiene and cleanliness across all tourist attractions in the country. It was rolled out for the first time in May and June for Phase 1 of Qatar?s reopening and has been now extended to restaurants and shopping malls, following review and continuous improvement. While the first stage of the programme aimed at protecting hospitality workers and guests by setting standards for sterilisation and disinfection, the program complies with the government guidelines on reducing the spread of COVID-19 and further complements independent measures being undertaken by hotels.
Qatar is currently in the third phase of its four-phase reopening plan, with hotel facilities, shopping malls, and many of the country?s health clubs and salons open for business with precautions in place. Hotels that meet these requirements are certified Qatar Clean. Since its introduction, nearly 100 hotels have been certified and more are being reviewed.
Joint committees from QNTC and MOPH will continue to inspect hotels and their facilities to ensure program standards are being applied and adhered to, with penalties imposed for non-compliance.
Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari, minister of public health said, ?We welcome the implementation of the Qatar Clean program 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 hotels. We will study the expansion of the initiative and its potential application in other sectors to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.?
His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways Group, said, ?The Qatar Clean program is one of many initiatives by QNTC, organised in collaboration with our partners, to help the sector welcome back visitors so that they can experience our hospitality. We are pleased to have launched this program ahead of welcoming our international visitors and are confident that this it will earn the trust of our visitors.?
To obtain a Qatar Clean certification hotels must appoint a Qatar Clean Program Manager for overseeing employee training and compliance with the essential requirements, sterilise their facilities daily, conduct frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfecting of rooms, air conditioning systems, equipment, water tanks, toilets, and ensure proper sterilisation of designated guest areas, as well as reception halls and lobbies. Hotel elevators must limit the capacity to 30% and there should be at least a distance of two meters between individuals in all public spaces. Hotel authorities must use mobile or contactless procedures for check in and check out and should carry out temperature checks on all employees daily.
Individual exhibiting symptoms are placed in isolation immediately and the MOPH contacted. Wearing face masks and social distancing is also compulsory.
Passengers arriving at Hamad International Airport will undergo thermal screening, temperature checks and a COVID-19 PCR test.
For more information visit: www.visitqatar.qa
