Qatar’s hospitality sector is set to get a further boost as the country moves into the second phase of the gradual lifting of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions, an industry expert told Gulf Times.
Marriott International’s Luxury Eastern Europe and Gulf Levant & Pakistan Area vice president Safak Guvenc expressed excitement about expanding their footprint in Qatar with plans to introduce new brands and concepts to the market.
"Such progress across the country is a positive sign for Katara Hospitality and Marriott International," he asserted.
Katara Hospitality-owned and operated by Marriott International include Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Ritz Carlton Doha; Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; and Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha.
Other hotels operated by Marriott International but non-owned by Katara Hospitality are: Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, JW Marriott Marquis Doha City Center, The St. Regis Doha, W Doha Hotel and Residences, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, and Four Points by Sheraton Doha.
“Qatar has been at the forefront of managing this crisis efficiently and effectively and we are delighted to see the country lift many restrictions and open up,” Guvenc said. “The leaders of this country have done an incredible job with their ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.”
He lauded the continued support and guidance of the Qatar government and Qatar National Tourism Council for imposing the appropriate measures during the entire crisis.
According to Guvenc, clear communication channels were cascading all necessary information and keeping them updated with all new developments.
Phase 2, which starts Wednesday, will see the opening of all parks, beaches and the Doha Corniche, including malls, souqs and wholesale markets, with restricted hours and capacity while Phase 3 will begin on August 1, allowing low-risk inbound flights for priority passengers.
Meanwhile, mosques will fully reopen and resume Friday prayers around the country in Phase 4, which will start on September 1. It will also see the list of inbound flights expanded as advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
Doha Metro and public bus services, as well as the new academic year, will also resume during this phase but with restrictions.
“In terms of the food and beverage scene, home delivery will still continue to be a popular choice for residents, and we continue to adapt and meet the requirements and experience of guests,” Guvenc said.
“Prior to the pandemic, dining-out was a popular choice among residents and we envisage that people will want to get out to once again experience their favourite spots. However, under the ‘new normal’, health and hygiene will be at the forefront of their minds,” he noted.
Guvenc stressed that the food and beverage experience will be a completely new experience with cleanliness and hygiene at the centre of their operations. The Qatar government’s stringent measures will also be followed.
Cleaning and safety measures have been enhanced to ensure that Katara and Marriott hotels and restaurants remain a comfortable and safe environment for guests and associates, he added.
“This pandemic has required us to raise our exacting standards to an even higher level with new protocols for the current circumstances and we are reimagining how we can deliver the customer experience in a hygienic yet human way,” Guvenc said.
Highlighting its commitment to cleanliness, the company recently announced the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council – a multi-pronged platform focused on developing the next level of global hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviours, and whose work will be informed by both in-house and outside experts.
Food and safety is a key part, which will include: enhanced sanitation guidelines and training videos for all operational associates that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices; all food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices; Marriott’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using the company’s food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits; development of new guest interaction protocols; and modifying operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.
“We are grateful for the trust our guests have shown us through the years and we want them to see and understand what we are doing and why we are doing it - so that when they walk through the doors of one of our hotels or restaurants, they know our commitment to their health and safety is our priority, whichever of our brands they are staying with,” Guvenc added.
"Such progress across the country is a positive sign for Katara Hospitality and Marriott International," he asserted.
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Katara Hospitality-owned and operated by Marriott International include Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Ritz Carlton Doha; Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; and Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha.
Other hotels operated by Marriott International but non-owned by Katara Hospitality are: Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, JW Marriott Marquis Doha City Center, The St. Regis Doha, W Doha Hotel and Residences, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, and Four Points by Sheraton Doha.
“Qatar has been at the forefront of managing this crisis efficiently and effectively and we are delighted to see the country lift many restrictions and open up,” Guvenc said. “The leaders of this country have done an incredible job with their ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.”
Al Messila
He lauded the continued support and guidance of the Qatar government and Qatar National Tourism Council for imposing the appropriate measures during the entire crisis.
According to Guvenc, clear communication channels were cascading all necessary information and keeping them updated with all new developments.
Phase 2, which starts Wednesday, will see the opening of all parks, beaches and the Doha Corniche, including malls, souqs and wholesale markets, with restricted hours and capacity while Phase 3 will begin on August 1, allowing low-risk inbound flights for priority passengers.
Meanwhile, mosques will fully reopen and resume Friday prayers around the country in Phase 4, which will start on September 1. It will also see the list of inbound flights expanded as advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
Doha Metro and public bus services, as well as the new academic year, will also resume during this phase but with restrictions.
“In terms of the food and beverage scene, home delivery will still continue to be a popular choice for residents, and we continue to adapt and meet the requirements and experience of guests,” Guvenc said.
“Prior to the pandemic, dining-out was a popular choice among residents and we envisage that people will want to get out to once again experience their favourite spots. However, under the ‘new normal’, health and hygiene will be at the forefront of their minds,” he noted.
Guvenc stressed that the food and beverage experience will be a completely new experience with cleanliness and hygiene at the centre of their operations. The Qatar government’s stringent measures will also be followed.
Cleaning and safety measures have been enhanced to ensure that Katara and Marriott hotels and restaurants remain a comfortable and safe environment for guests and associates, he added.
“This pandemic has required us to raise our exacting standards to an even higher level with new protocols for the current circumstances and we are reimagining how we can deliver the customer experience in a hygienic yet human way,” Guvenc said.
Highlighting its commitment to cleanliness, the company recently announced the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council – a multi-pronged platform focused on developing the next level of global hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviours, and whose work will be informed by both in-house and outside experts.
Food and safety is a key part, which will include: enhanced sanitation guidelines and training videos for all operational associates that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices; all food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices; Marriott’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using the company’s food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits; development of new guest interaction protocols; and modifying operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.
“We are grateful for the trust our guests have shown us through the years and we want them to see and understand what we are doing and why we are doing it - so that when they walk through the doors of one of our hotels or restaurants, they know our commitment to their health and safety is our priority, whichever of our brands they are staying with,” Guvenc added.
