Lifting of curbs ‘a testament to success of Qatar’s Covid-19 crisis management’
The fourth phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions is a testament to the success of Qatar’s Covid-19 crisis management, and a tribute to the tremendous efforts the state has exerted in support of Doha’s hospitality and tourism sector in general, a senior hotelier told Gulf Times.
“Qatar has demonstrated its ability to rebuild its national tourism foundation, thanks to a well-devised strategy, through offering luring packages from 5-star properties, as well as other initiatives to enhance the domestic tourism sector,” Mondrian Doha’s executive assistant manager and director of Sales and Marketing, Mikel Ibrahim explained.
Several Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted on the first part of phase 4 (from September 1), while the second part (from September 15) allowed cinemas and theatres in the country to increase their capacity to 30% but with all safety protocols in place.
Ibrahim said that Qatar’s hospitality sector is gradually returning to normal, noting that in August, Mondrian Doha has seen an increase in bookings for staycations, and foresees this trend continuing for the remainder of the year.
Despite of the impact that the outbreak has had on the hospitality and tourism industry and the economy in general, he stressed that Qatar has shown remarkable resilience in these difficult times. “We have witnessed businesses handling the complex and disruptive situation with grace always working to provide the best possible service and safety to the public,” Ibrahim said.
“I believe we should use the momentum to capitalise on the experience we gained and to reinvent travel offers in line with the latest challenges. We must ensure all offers are compliant with precautionary measures, while maintaining the five-star experience throughout and providing the best service to guests,” he added.
Hotels in Qatar, including Mondrian Doha, imposed stringent precautionary measures to prevent and limit the spread of Covid-19, ensuring the safety of their guests and staff.
“We have already witnessed how the tourism sector has rebuilt its foundation in Qatar – now it is time to adapt it to the future challenges and changes, to our new normal,” Ibrahim said.
“Given Qatar’s hospitality and tourism industry’s ability to overcome the crisis, I would say that the main strengths demonstrated are adaptability, resilience and confidence which are vital to a secure future,” he pointed out, lauding the government’s extensive efforts to curb the surge of the pandemic.
According to Ibrahim, Mondrian Doha is now able to host more guests in its food and beverage outlets, welcome back customers to its fitness club, and most recently, to its luxury spa, which has reopened its doors.
“We are also now hosting intimate weddings, which despite being still relatively small, have had a great impact on the community who have been eagerly awaiting to celebrate their special life event in our hotel,” he said.
Ibrahim added that all their restaurants adhere to the highest standards, and in line with the Qatar Clean Programme, as well as per all government regulations: requiring guests to show a green tag on their Ehteraz application at the entrance to the hotel, as well as at all dining outlets; and wearing of a face mask.
Mondrian Doha’s restaurants have been arranged to guarantee the 2m distance between tables, and follow social distancing guidelines in all common spaces at the hotel.
Ibrahim said the hotel’s dining outlets offer contactless ordering where diners can scan menus via QR codes using their own mobile phones or via regularly sanitised iPads. Service staff, along with the chefs, are wearing gloves, face masks, and face shields while servicing the outlets at all times.
“We have been hosting an increasing number of guests in our restaurants and believe people are more confident in going out as they feel reassured by all safety measures that have been implemented,” he said.