Download QTA Inspects Ramadan Tents, Hotel Events 13 citations issued for

For Immediate Release
29 June 2016
QTA Inspects Ramadan Tents, Hotel Events
13 citations issued for violations
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, a specially trained team from Qatar Tourism
Authority (QTA) paid visits to Ramadan tents, hotels and other tourism establishments to
assess quality of their tourism experience offering and compliance with QTA’s guidelines for
the holy month. Thirteen venues were issued citations for violations of these guidelines.
During their visits, inspectors ensured hotel and tourism establishments abided by the
guidelines set for Ramadan event marketing efforts. QTA representatives also evaluated the
quality of food, the diversity of dishes and their presentations at Iftar and Suhour. Décor,
lighting and quality of Ramadan activities as well as how heavily popular local dishes feature
on the menu was also surveyed.
Checks to ensure that all Ramadan activities held in hotel establishments had received the
required licensing from government authorities and adherence to QTA’s instructions were
also performed by the team.
“We evaluate hotel and tourism establishments on an ongoing basis to ensure we are
consistently raising the standards of the hospitality sector in Qatar while perpetuating local
heritage in places frequented by tourists,” a QTA spokesperson commented. “Inspections
during this period are specifically based on metrics developed by our specialists to ensure
licensed tourism establishments are in line with the special practices of the Holy Month.”
Hotel performance in these evaluations contributes to the selection process at the Annual
Tourism Awards hosted by QTA.
QTA maintains regular contact with tourism establishments issuing memos to hotel and
tourism establishments with instructions to assist them in ensuring experiences are
appropriate to religious and national holidays.
--Ends-For further information, please contact:
QTA Press Office
+ 974 4499 7248
+ 974 6679 4292
About Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)
Long-recognised by the country’s leadership as an avenue to further Qatar’s development,
tourism has been designated a priority sector by the government. Qatar Tourism Authority’s
mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a world-class tourism destination
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with deep cultural roots. In 2014 QTA launched the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy
(QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase the sector’s
contribution to Qatar’s economy by 2030.
QTA works in partnership with public and private stakeholders to achieve this mission by
planning, regulating and promoting a sustainable and diverse tourism industry.
As part of its planning efforts, QTA identifies types of tourism products and services that will
contribute to the Qatar tourism experience, and works to attract investment for their
development.
Regulation efforts involve ensuring tourism sector establishments operate at the highest
standards while perpetuating Qatar’s culture.
QTA promotes Qatar as a destination around the world, through its destination branding,
international representation and participation at trade shows, and by developing a rich
calendar of festivals and events. With a growing international presence, QTA’s representative
offices in London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Singapore, and Riyadh support QTA’s promotion
efforts.
Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 6 million visitors, and achieved an average
annual growth in arrivals of 11.5% between 2010-2015. The economic impact of the tourism
sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with 2014 estimates showing a total impact on
Qatar’s total GDP of 4.1%.
www.visitqatar.qa
@QTACorporate
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