The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has joined forces with Qatar Tourism to launch an initiative designed to simplify licensing procedures and revitalize the tourism sector. This initiative targets challenges encountered by tourism establishments and businesses when applying for promotional and price reduction licenses, as well as festival, event, and exhibition licensing. The key focus is on streamlining and expediting ‘Qualitative Licensing Services,’ ensuring a smoother and more efficient process. “This initiative 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 sector’s value chain,” explained Hassan Sultan Al-Ghanim, Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to foster a conducive business environment, attract investments, and boost revenues within the tourism sector, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy. The initiative includes the issuance of a single-fee annual license that encompasses all offers and discounts provided by hotels as outlined in their marketing plans. Visit Qatar, the main branch of Qatar Tourism, will oversee the application process for this ‘single license,’ ensuring streamlined procedures and enhanced inter-sector cooperation. Omar Al Jaber, Acting Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of this initiative in enhancing tourism offerings and providing necessary protection for the activities of tourism establishments. “This initiative provides 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,” he said. This initiative underscores Qatar Tourism’s commitment to developing and expanding the reach of the tourism sector in the country, embracing a comprehensive licensing protocol that enhances efficiency and transparency in key services.
Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Qatar Tourism Announce New Licensing Initiative to Bolster Tourism
