Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), has launched the best in class ‘Qatar Clean’ programme in all hotels across the country to reassure international visitors in preparation for welcoming them back to the country.

The multi-phased, comprehensive programme, which was been developed following a robust review of the best safety initiatives from around the world, ensures strict standards for hygiene and cleanliness at all tourist attractions in the country. Following initial testing, it was rolled out in May and June this year for Phase 1 of Qatar’s reopening plan. Following review and continual improvement, it is now being extended to other sectors, such as restaurants and shopping malls, with best practices applied.

The first stage of the programme was aimed at protecting hospitality workers and guests by setting standards for sterilisation and disinfection, which all hotel establishments must adhere to. The program complies with government guidelines on reducing the spread of Covid-19 and further complements independent measures being undertaken by hotels. Hotels that meet these requirements are certified ‘Qatar Clean’, assuring guests of a safe experience. Since its introduction, nearly 100 hotels have been certified with more being reviewed.

The country 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 now open for business, with precautions in place.

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 QNTC 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 Covid-19 and maintaining the health and well-being of the people of Qatar.”

Akbar Al Baker, secretary general of QNTC and group CEO of Qatar Airways Group remarked: “The programme is one of many initiatives by QNTC, in collaboration with our partners, to help the sector welcome back visitors to enjoy our world-renowned hospitality. We commend our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and in hospitality and are pleased to have launched this best in class program ahead of welcoming international visitors. We are confident this will engender trust in safe tourism in Qatar.”

The programme is part of an extensive safety programme across Qatar to control the spread of Covid-19.