#WeAreQatar: QTA urges hotels to help tourists hit by GCC crisis

Despite facing a lot of heat and hate from neighbouring countries, Qatar’s stance was based on love and brotherhood from the very start of the current Gulf crisis.

First, Qatar reminded its people to be respectful about what they post on social media about neighbouring countries.

And then, they assured people from countries blockading Qatar that they would not face any action on Qatari soil and that they were free to stay as long as they had necessary paperwork on them.

And now, the Qatar Tourism Authority has stepped forward to urge hotels in the country to ‘extend a helping hand’ to tourists and visitors irrespective of their origin or nationality, reported Gulf Times.

The circular sent to hotel establishments yesterday aims to provide domestic and overseas visitors to Qatar ‘the best of our nation’s hospitality regardless of background.’   

“In pursuit of excellence and as we go through the current exceptional circumstances, we’re certain that you’ll continue to adhere to professional standards of conduct when dealing with tourists and visitors,” QTA said.

“In line with our authentic Qatari culture, we urge you to extend a helping hand to tourists and visitors, regardless of their origin or nationality, so that all visitors to Qatar can experience the best of our nation’s hospitality regardless of background,” The Peninsula quoted the circular as saying.

The circular also asked hotels to help guests who needed to change or cancel their reservations due to the ongoing situation.

“We’re confident that you’ll continue to fulfill your role as ambassadors to Qatar and the traditional values of hospitality that our people are renowned for,” it said.

The QTA also sent UNWTO Global Codes of Ethics for Tourism to all hotel establishments reminding them about the rights of guests, said Qatar Tribune.

The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, article one (Tourism's contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies) says that tourism activities should be conducted in harmony with the attributes and traditions of the host regions and countries and respect for their laws, practices and their customs.