Qatar Unveils Significant Licensing Enhancements for Tourism Sector
Qatar has approved new regulations to bolster its tourism sector by making it easier for businesses to offer a range of discounts and promotions.
3 min
The Tourism Licensing Department at Qatar Tourism, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), has launched a joint initiative to streamline the licensing procedures for tourism establishments. This initiative is designed to ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, facilitating a smoother and more efficient licensing process.
This effort not only simplifies the application and issuance of licenses but also allows tourism businesses to adhere to strict regulations without interruption. The main objective is to expedite the Qualitative Licensing Services for hotels and tourism establishments, thereby stimulating the sector’s growth.
Furthermore, MOCI and Qatar Tourism are working together to minimize the challenges faced by the sector, particularly in obtaining licenses for promotional activities and managing price reductions. The initiative also covers licenses for festivals, events, and exhibitions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.
An innovative aspect of this collaboration is the introduction of a one-fee annual license that encompasses all offers and discounts a hotel might offer, as outlined in their marketing strategies.
Visit Qatar, the main arm of Qatar Tourism, will manage the application process on behalf of participants in festivals and events, streamlining procedures and enhancing sector-wide cooperation.
This streamlined approach not only protects businesses but also expands opportunities within the industry, allowing for a safer and more optimal tourism experience for visitors. Moreover, the initiative includes advanced, expedited qualitative licensing services set to commence this month.
Hassan Sultan Al Ghanim, Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said: “This was introduced to facilitate the procedures for obtaining specific licenses for tourism and hospitality establishments, where obtaining the license would take one business day, with the prerequisite that all terms and conditions are met, and the required documents submitted. This would have a direct positive impact on the entire sectors value chain.
“The tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors in the country’s economy, which contributes to attracting investments and increasing the revenues.”
He added: “This initiative comes within the framework of the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to develop the business environment and facilitate business ventures in the country, and to establish an encouraging investment environment for entrepreneurs and investors”.
Omar Al Jaber, Acting Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “The new licensing initiative by Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry aims to enhance tourism offerings across relevant businesses and provide necessary protection for the activities of these establishments.
“Thus, providing the sector the flexibility to intensify its efforts by launching promotional campaigns that revive their work as well as provide tourists opportunities to enjoy attractive offerings, enhancing visitors experience.
“This initiative reflects Qatar Tourisms commitment to develop and expand the reach of the tourism sector in the country, by including more tourism and hospitality businesses and focus on being comprehensive with its licensing protocol and elevating the efficacy and transparency of key services.”
Overall, Qatar Tourism is dedicated to collaborating with both private and public stakeholders to ease licensing processes, improve access for tourism establishments, and revive the sector. Continuous improvements in the licensing landscape are aimed at alleviating challenges faced by hotels, reducing financial burdens during off-peak seasons, and removing barriers to application.
The dual objectives of this initiative are to protect business interests and uphold high-quality licensing standards, thereby maintaining the integrity and reputation of Qatar’s tourism sector.
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Employment grew for the 16th consecutive month as companies expanded.
2 min
According to a recent PMI report, Qatar experienced its fastest non-energy sector growth in almost two years in June, driven by surges in both existing and new business activities.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) headline figure for Qatar reached 55.9 in June, up from 53.6 in May, with anything above 50.0 indicating growth in business activity. Employment also grew for the 16th month in a row, and the country’s 12-month outlook remained robust.
The inflationary pressures were muted, with input prices rising only slightly since May, while prices charged for goods and services fell, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) report.
This headline figure marked the strongest improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector since July 2022 and was above the long-term trend.
The report noted that new incoming work expanded at the fastest rate in 13 months, with significant growth in manufacturing and construction and sharp growth in other sectors. Despite the rising demand for goods and services, companies managed to further reduce the volume of outstanding work in June.
Companies attributed positive forecasts to new branch openings, acquiring new customers, and marketing campaigns. Prices for goods and services fell for the sixth time in the past eight months as firms offered discounts to boost competitiveness and attract new customers.
Qatari financial services companies also recorded further strengthening in growth, with the Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indexes reaching 13- and nine-month highs of 61.1 and 59.2, respectively. These levels were above the long-term trend since 2017.
Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, QFC CEO, said the June PMI index was higher than in all pre-pandemic months except for October 2017, which was 56.3. “Growth has now accelerated five times in the first half of 2024 as the non-energy economy has rebounded from a moderation in the second half of 2023,” he said.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
