Qatar’s fourth phase of lifting is expected to boost Qatari businesses as tourism grows.
As the fourth phase of easing Covid-19 limitations nears, local businesses in Qatar will benefit from the constant momentum the local tourism industry is experiencing, according to an industry expert.
“Domestic tourism has been booming because of Covid-19 protocols that allow for travel outside the country. With the implementation of Phase 3, outdoor gatherings were permitted, restaurants increased their capacity, park, and beaches were opened, thus, again, attracting outdoor activities along with more entertainment facilities,” said Rehan Ali Syed, Tawfeeq Travel Group CEO.
“Private healthcare facilities to operate at full capacity, allowing children in cinemas subject to conditions, increasing the capacity of Doha Metro and public transport, driving schools, wedding halls, barbershops, amusement parks and entertainment centres, museums, libraries, nurseries, educational centres, and private training centres, as well as allowing more people in a group to gather in parks and on beaches and opening playground and exercising equipment there.” The MoPH stated what phase 3 of the Covid 19 restrictions will allow.
“Qatar has several beaches which still remain unexplored, but with the urge to find some new places amongst families, more outdoor destinations have been discovered. Once the fourth phase is implemented, it will boost tourism in the country with meetings, conferences, and events planned for the last quarter. This will create a trickle-down effect that would benefit many sectors in the country, such as the retail industry.” explained Syed.
MoPH implemented a four-phased restriction programme to stop Covid-19’s spread across the country. There were three phases: Phase 1 on May 28; Phase 2 in mid-June and Phase 3 in mid-July. However, the Ministry of Public Health has prolonged Phase 3 until August.
“The fourth phase of lifting Covid-19 restrictions could start by September if the situation continued to improve and remained under control,” Dr Yousef al-Maslamani, Hamad General Hospital medical director told Qatar TV earlier last month.
“The FIFA Club matches are already creating frenzy amongst the fans from the region and Asian countries,” Syed said regarding Qatar’s domestic tourism scene under the extended Phase 3.
Syed added Tawfeeq Travel’s major goal is to promote Qatar’s tourism attractions, which is in line with Qatar Tourism’s goals. “Tawfeeq Travel continues to expand its retail network to reach out to customers across Qatar, making it easily accessible for any travel needs,” Syed added.
