As Qatar moves forward with the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the country’s tourism sector is preparing to welcome visitors once again while ensuring the safety of all.

Under this ambition, the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) jointly with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched the first phase of the ‘Qatar Clean’ program in all hotels across the country.

The first of this multi-phased program focuses on safeguarding hospitality workers and guests by setting standards of sterilization and disinfection.

All hotels are to comply with these standards, which are in line with MoPH guidelines on curbing the spread of COVID-19 and add to the measures the hotels had already been taking in this regard.

Hotels that meet these requirements will be certified "Qatar Clean.” This will assure the public that the hotels can offer a safe experience for guests.

Qatar National Tourism Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, has launched the first phase of the "Qatar Clean" program in all hotels across the country. The multi-phased program is aimed at preparing the tourism sector to welcome visitors once again. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) July 28, 2020

Based on QNTC and MoPH instructions, the hotels are applying the following guidelines:

1- Each hotel facility is appointing a "Qatar Clean" program manager who will be responsible for overseeing employee training and overall compliance with the program requirements.

2- Hotels must sterilize their facilities daily, frequently conduct thorough cleaning, use disinfectant in all rooms, air conditioning systems, equipment, water tanks, toilets, and ensure stringent sterilization of designated guest areas, especially reception halls and lobbies.

3- The use of elevators by multiple guests at the same time will be prohibited. Maximum occupancy of 30 percent will be allowed.

4- Hotels should adopt mobile or other contactless procedures for check-in and check-out to reduce contact with guests. Spaces should be optimized to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters between individuals.

In addition to these, hotels are to conduct daily temperature checks for all employees at the beginning of their shifts. These checks will also apply to suppliers and guests.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms must immediately be placed in isolation, and MoPH is to be contacted right away.

Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari said, "We welcome the implementation of the 'Qatar Clean' program 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."

In his remarks, HE the Secretary-General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways Group, Akbar Al Baker said, "We are pleased to launch the 'Qatar Clean' program 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' program 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."

The relevant teams from QNTC and MoPH will keep a check through regular inspections on all hotels to ensure the application of the program and its outlined standards. Violators will be subject to penalties.

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