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Qatar Tourism facilitates best hotel deals for last-minute summer retreat Rajesh Tiwari
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anked the safest country in the world in 2020 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 85 countries can enter visafree. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to highrise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to worldfamous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. From its extensive and growing range of five-star hotels and hotel apartments, restaurants, world-class spas and wellness
centres, and cultural and heritage sights; the destination is fast emerging as one of the most exciting travel destinations for 2021 and beyond. In an attempt to attract more travellers Qatar Tourism has rounded up the best hotel deals available for those seeking a last-minute summer retreat in the sun. Find more. Mondrian Doha, ‘RoomsSummer’ package starting from QAR 850 per night (USD 233 per night), until 31 August 2021. Wyndham Doha West Bay, ‘Summer Recharge’ package starting from QAR 500 per room per night (USD 137 per night), until 31st August 2021.
JW Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha, ‘Escape to Sunshine’ package starting from QAR 900 (USD 248 per night), until 30th August 2021.
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas, ‘Extended Stay Offer’ with saving up to 20%, from 24th July 2021 until 31st December 2021.
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, ‘Retreat Journey’ package starting from QAR 1,300 per night (USD 357 per night), until 31st August 2021.
•Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha, ‘Taste of Summer’ offer starting from QAR 850 (USD 234 per night), until 31st August 2021.
Mandarin Oriental, Doha, ‘Travel Again’ offer with saving up to 20%, for a minimum two-night stay, until 30th September 2021.
Kenya launches revised protocols for ‘New Normal’ News Desk
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ourism & Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala has launched the revised Magical Kenya Tourism and Travel Health and Safety Protocols for the ‘New Normal’. “With the majority of the people embracing the Covid-19 vaccines worldwide, we deem it important to issue a comprehensive Covid-19 vaccination policy and procedures for both guests and staff at all levels of establishments’ operations. That’s why we are launching the reviewed protocols that were first issued in July 2020,” said CS Balala. The CS also added that countries with the highest numbers of individuals that are vaccinated against Covid will be the ones receiving the highest numbers of tourists as people
will find the destinations to be safe and healthy. “Hospitality workers can also be considered to be frontline workers as they engage with visitors on a personal level. That is why we are urging our hospitality stakeholders to get vaccinated whenever they get the chance. On our part, we shall be liaising with CECs of Tourism and Health at County levels so that the stakeholders can be vaccinated,” added Balala. The CS also advocated for selfregulating since there has been a lot of confusion when it comes to hospitality establishments. Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been assigned the task of being the lead, while working closely with other multi-agencies that are in the hospitality industry.
“We are aware that most regulated establishments have put in place measures to comply with Covid-19 protocols, and we commend them for that. However, there is a general laxity in full compliance especially when it comes to social distancing. Also, there are
those that are not following or are trying to circumvent the laid down protocols. We want to tell them their days are numbered and that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” noted Balala.
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